Football Federation Australia is keen to speak to ex-Celtic manager Martin O'Neill about becoming the Socceroos' new coach.

Guus Hiddink will step down from his position as Australia boss following the World Cup finals after accepting a lucrative offer to take charge of Russia's national team.

Gerard Houllier is the FFA's preferred candidate to succeed Hiddink, but the Lyon coach is still to be convinced it is the right job for him, which could leave the way open for the Northern Irishman.

FFA chief executive John O'Neill confirmed: "He is somebody we plan to talk to in the near future.

"He's obviously of a high calibre and after a spell out of the game is back on the job market.

"He was one we looked at before Guus Hiddink accepted the job and we are keen to meet him and discuss what he might bring to the job."

Martin O'Neill stepped down as Celtic manager 12 months ago to care for his seriously ill wife, but is now looking for a new job and was interviewed for the position of England manager before the Football Association appointed Steve McClaren.