Chris Coleman is expected to be named as Wales manager today.

The Football Association of Wales has called a media conference in Cardiff at which the appointment will be confirmed.

Former Wales defender Coleman, 41, held talks with the FAW earlier this week after expressing his desire to be Gary Speed’s successor.

“Every manager wants one day to be in charge of his country and I’m no different,” said Coleman on Sunday.

“But ideally for me the opportunity wouldn’t be here. It’s only here because of one reason, and I wish it wasn’t.

“But of course if I do get the position I’ll be a very proud Welshman.”

After treading carefully under difficult circumstances following Speed’s death in November, the FAW has accelerated its search for a new manager over the past few days.

Former Fulham boss Coleman says he was contacted by the governing body last week after resigning as manager of Larissa because of financial problems at the Greek club.

John Hartson, another former Wales international, was the only other candidate to publicly announce his interest, while Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush had been suggested as possible “figureheads”.

The FAW is keen to ensure a smooth transition from the structure put in place by Speed over the past 12 months, and Coleman has said he is willing to work with assistant manager Raymond Verheijen and coach Osian Roberts.

Verheijen and Roberts have received the backing of many of the players, with captain Aaron Ramsey particularly strong in his belief that “as little change as possible” should take place.

Coleman joined Larissa in May 2011 as he attempted to resurrect his managerial career after a year out of the game.

His last job in England was with Coventry City, but he was sacked in 2010 after a difficult two and a half years in charge.

Before joining the Sky Blues, a promising start as manager of Real Sociedad ended in resignation following internal upheaval at the Spanish club.

Injuries suffered in a car accident cut short Coleman’s playing career at the age of 32. His last match was a bief appearance as a substitute in a 1-0 win against Germany to win his 32nd Wales cap.

but his managerial career began less than a year later when he was appointed by Fulham following Jean Tigana’s dismissal.

He spent four years in charge at Craven Cottage, leading the club to their then highest Premier League finish of ninth, before being sacked in 2007.