IAN Rush is in the dream team wanted by Wales to take over the national side.

The Chester City boss is the choice of most of the Wales FA councillors to work alongside former France and Liverpool coach Gerard Houllier.

But sources close to the FAW, who had a council meeting yesterday, believe the move for the ex-Anfield duo could flounder due to problems agreeing personal terms with Houllier.

The Frenchman's experience and expertise at setting up programmes to develop youth talent, which he showed in France, was believed to have tilted the balance in his favour and a big name would help to boost the profile of Welsh football.

Rush is already coaching the Welsh U17s, which gives him a foot in the door, and his experience, albeit limited, as a manager also improves his CV.

Some senior figures within the FAW prefer a homegrown candidate for the top job, such as Brian Flynn or John Toshack, but Rush's inclusion on a part-time basis has, apparently, proved an acceptable compromise.

It was Houllier who encouraged Rush to take up coaching at Liverpool, but so far the City manager has refused to elaborate on the speculation.

'I haven't heard from the Welsh FA and, anyway, it's up to them to talk to my chairman,' he said yesterday. 'Gerard and I talk regularly and I ask him for advice but that's as far as it has gone. I am concentrating on Chester City.'

An appointment is not thought to be imminent because Wales have no games lined up until February.

Meanwhile, Rush has only Wayne Brown on the injury list and is expected to name an unchanged squad for tomorrow's game at Yeovil, who have ex-City defender Scott Guyett, Colin Miles and Roy O'Brien back in the squad following injury.

Added the City boss: 'Yeovil have lost only once at home, so it is going to be tough. We have watched them three times and they are a dangerous team.

'Our game against Kidderminster was a six-pointer in the bottom half of the table, but this one is a six-pointer in the top half, so credit to our players for getting themselves in this position.'

Conference strugglers Forest Green want Darryn Stamp and Andy Watson on loan. Both played in Wednesday's 3-0 home defeat by Oldham in the Pontin's Holidays League.

Chester are at home to Rochdale on Tuesday (7.45) in the LDV Vans Trophy second round. Admission is reduced to £10 for adults and £5 for children. Cortez Belle will be suspended, having collected five bookings this season.

The FA Cup first-round draw is to be made at about 5pm tomorrow. Chester's number in the draw is 12.

Chester's League Two match at Southend United has been brought forward from Saturday, December 18 to Friday, December 17 (7.45).