Jimmy Quinn is hoping for the perfect birthday present this week - a return to management with Crawley Town.

Reds will hold final interviews with three candidates in the next few days and hope to have the new man in place for Saturday's Conference trip to Burton Albion, the day after Quinn celebrates his 46th birthday.

Quinn, who guided Shrewsbury back into the League at the first attempt two years ago via the Conference play-offs, has already had one interview and was in the stands again on Saturday when Reds beat Southport 2-0.

He is favourite to replace Francis Vines who was sacked three weeks ago. The other candidates on the shortlist are believed to be former Watford and England striker Luther Blissett and John Hollins, who managed Chelsea, Swansea and Rochdale after a distinguished playing career at the highest level.

Quinn has also done some scouting work for Crawley when he watched Southport's FA Cup tie against Woking ten days ago.

He said: "I'm still waiting to hear from the club about what's happening this week but if I was fortunate enough to get the job I'm sure I could improve things. It's my birthday on Friday and getting the Crawley job would be a great present."

Quinn, who played for eight different clubs during a 19-year professional career, is desperate for a return to management after leaving Shrewsbury earlier this year.

He assisted Peterborough United boss Barry Fry until the end of the season but a summer knee operation prevented him from accepting two coaching jobs, one with a League club and the other abroad.

Before joining Shrewsbury in 2003 he took Reading to a play-off final in a player-manager role and was in charge of one of his former clubs Swindon before dropping into non-league with Northwich Victoria.

This season he has been scouting for Preston, Watford and Rushden and Diamonds but knows all about Crawley's potential and is confident he could help them fulfill their dreams of breaking into the Football League.

"From what I've seen Crawley need three or four players to challenge the bigger clubs in the Conference and I don't think getting them would be a problem," he said.

"I know a lot of good players at that level and believe I have the contacts to get them.

"If I got the job I would definitely keep them up and then take it forward next season and, hopefully, challenge for promotion. The club certainly looks geared up for that."

Quinn was impressed with Saturday's performance against Southport and in particular with the contribution of acting manager Simon Wormull, who is combining the role with his playing duties.

"I don't know Simon personally but I know of him having played against him. It's hard enough just playing at that level so to do everything else on top is a big ask but I thought he was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch on Saturday.

"That was a real six-pointer and a good result. I thought all the players worked their socks off and hopefully the report I did on Southport helped."

Quinn, who won 46 caps for Northern Ireland, revealed he had two coaches ready to join his backroom staff should he get the nod.

He added: "I'm very keen to take the club forward. The players at Conference level are all good at their job so it's then down to man-management and getting the best out of them and I think that is one of my strengths."