Bristol City caretaker boss Keith Millen has hinted that the search for a permanent successor to Gary Johnson is close to a conclusion.

City chairman Steve Lansdown has been conducting interviews with a number of shortlisted candidates in recent days and is expected to make an announcement on the unresolved situation next week.

Millen yesterday revealed that he has not formally applied for the vacant position – but insisted that he was unaware whether or not tomorrow's game at Scunthorpe is to be his last in temporary charge.

Lansdown, however, is understood to be keen on finalising a permanent appointment ahead of the clash with Derby at Ashton Gate next weekend to allow any new manager the opportunity of two games to assess the squad at his disposal ahead of the summer break.

Millen said: "There is no deadline (to make an appointment) but it would be good for whoever takes over to see the players for the last couple of games of the season.

"The chairman and I are in agreement that that is needed. The squad needs to be assessed for next season, whether it is me or somebody else. You don't want to be doing that in the summer."

When asked whether City were still on course to have a new man in place before the Derby game, Millen replied: "I don't honestly know that. I spoke to the chairman on Wednesday and he is still discussing things with different people.

"There is no pressure or panic to get someone. We are in a good position and the chairman will decide what he wants to do when the time is right."

Millen enhanced his own chances of claiming the job on a permanent basis after masterminding a six-game unbeaten run since taking over, but he added: "I haven't put my CV in or any sort of request. The chairman knows my thoughts on the situation and I know his and I am letting him get on with that. He is interviewing other people and if he finds the right person to come in then he will announce that.

"Whatever is decided, I still hope to be a part of it because I enjoy working here. I'm not focusing on that right now. Scunthorpe is a massive game for us. It might be my last game in charge but I hope it won't be my last at the club."

Former Reading manager Steve Coppell is believed to have been interviewed and remains the bookies' favourite.

"I can understand that speculation because Steve ticks all the boxes," Millen said. "He is a manager out of work and someone with great experience.

"He has a good track record of getting clubs out of this division, so naturally his name will be linked with the job.

"A lot of managers are linked with it because it is a good job. The club has a good chairman and is looking to go forward, so obviously a lot of big names will be linked with the job."

Millen, meanwhile, will be without Jamal Campbell-Ryce for the trip to Glanford Park. The wide player has failed to recover from a hamstring injury so Plymouth loanee Gary Sawyer is in contention to make his first start.

Goalkeeper Dean Gerken will travel with the squad but Millen could still retain faith with understudy Stephen Henderson.