MICK MCCARTHY EXPECTS Martin O’Neill to be the next Ireland manager.
The Ipswich Town boss was asked about the prospect of making a dramatic return to the job he held until 2002.
But the former Boys in Green skipper reckons O’Neill will be picked by the FAI to succeed Giovanni Trapattoni who left the position this week.
“I’m not surprised [to be linked with the job] because I did a good job last time,” said McCarthy at his weekly press conference this morning.“But Martin O’Neill is getting the job as far as I’m aware. That’s totally nailed on. He’s a shoo-in for it.
“He’s ex-Celtic and is a damn good manager. My understanding is that he’s got the job. Good luck to him, I’m delighted.“
He added: “I’ve been linked it with it because of my success doing that job in the past. I’ve not courted it or fanned the flames at all. I’m not going to do that now.
“I was asked in here, when Giovanni was under pressure, do you fancy it? And I said ‘yes I would at some stage’, but I’m in a job and it’s not the right time. I’m loving what I’m doing here.
“Martin O’Neill is out of work and he can walk straight into the job. I think he’s perfect for them.”
More to follow
