Mick McCarthy says he expects favourite Martin O’Neill to be confirmed as the manager of the Republic of Ireland. The Blues boss, who previously held the role between 1996 and 2002, was amongst the other potential candidates linked with the position vacated by Giovanni Trapattoni earlier in the week.

McCarthy said it was no shock to him that he was mentioned in connection with the job: “I’m not surprised because I did a good job the last time, but Martin O’Neill’s getting the job as far as I’m aware, absolutely nailed on, a shoo-in for it.

“He’s ex-Celtic, he has his links there with everybody else and he’s out of work, and he’s a damn good manager. My understanding is that he’s got the job, so good luck to him, I’m delighted.”

The Town manager confirmed that he would be interested in a return to the role at some point in the future.

“I’ve been linked to it because of my success doing it in the past,” he said. “I’ve not courted it or fanned the flames of it at all and I’m not going to do it now.

“The last time that Giovanni Trapattoni was under pressure and they were asking ‘Do you fancy it?’, I said that he was still in the job. ‘Would you fancy it again?’. Yes, I would, at some stage.

“I’m not going to say not now because two years ago I said I’d fancy it some stage. But it’s not right, I’m loving doing what I’m doing, I’m under contract here.”

The Blues boss wasn't keen to discuss 'what ifs' should O'Neill not be appointed: “If Martin O’Neill does turn it down, which is not going to happen, someone should go to Marcus Evans. Why would I pre-empt something which [isn’t going to happen]?

“My understanding is that Martin’s got it. I’m not looking for it. I prefer to make my decisions when somebody asks me the question, not a journalist. If somebody does ask me the question, what will I do? I haven’t got a bleeding clue.”

McCarthy confirmed that there was a clause in his contract which would have allowed him to leave Town to take over as Ireland boss in the summer if the FAI had wanted him at that stage.

“It was absolutely true.,” he said. “I had an agreement with Marcus Evans. It’s no longer there, so it makes no odds now.

“I also had an agreement that if we went down that Marcus would get shot of me or I could get shot of myself.

“When I took the job in November and we were rock bottom, everything was a bit unsure, so I thought it was right that I asked for that if it came up. Who knows, it was coming to the end of [Trapattoni’s] term, it might have all changed by then.

“But it wasn’t fair that it went into the season, once the season started then I’m the manager here, so I think that tells you what sort of feeling I had to towards it and the loyalty I have towards being employed. I didn’t ask it to go to the end of the qualification.”

Photo: Action Images

SouperJim added 15:08 - Sep 13 Well he hasn't really said no then has he. But it doesn't look likely it'll get to the stage that he's offered the job, and even if he was, the FAI would have to pay significant compo I would think.
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ericclacton added 15:16 - Sep 13 We need a goalscorer, I repeat we need a goalscorer.
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Guthrum added 15:23 - Sep 13 He's said about as "no" as he can, given that he wouldn't mind having the job again at some point. Throughout his management career, McCarthy has always shown long-term commitment to each of his clubs. Even when he left Millwall for the Ireland job, that was after the best part of four years. He doesn't strike me as a club-hopping kind of guy.
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BotesdaleBlue added 15:30 - Sep 13 I think Mick has spoken fairly and honestly on the subject, which is what we all expect of him. I think it would be a massive loss if he were to leave Town now, not least because TC and his coaching staff would surely follow. In Mick, I belive we have an excellent, solid manager, who is knows this division inside out and how to get out of it. Unfortunately with our very limited resourcses this will surely prove to be difficult, but I retain the utmost confidence that we have the right man - and management team - for the job in hand, given more time. Having said all of that, the lack of goalscorers throughout the team, remains a real problem that must be tackled if real progress is to be made.

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dubblue added 15:30 - Sep 13 Did not rule himself out like Hughton or McDermott but i guess he did not want to lie. Looks like he might be the fall-back option if negotiations do not work out with MO'N.
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Michael11 added 15:35 - Sep 13 Sounds to me like he wanted it but O'Neill has got it. How would he be so sure O'Neill was getting it if he hadn't spoken to someone about the job? Hope his head is on tomorrows game now, can't afford many more slip ups.
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kerryblue747 added 15:45 - Sep 13 not said he happy to stay at Ipswich we stll need a goal scorer
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MattinLondon added 16:22 - Sep 13 Think Mick has been honest which is exactly what we have come to expect from him. We need creative midfield players first in order to create the chances for the strikers to convert.
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TractorBoy666 added 16:45 - Sep 13 I'm still not very convinced that mick will stay by christmas. If we aren't in a very good position come christmas, I reckon he will quit because the money he's allowed (if any) I think he isn't happy with. Just my opinion so lets hope we're in a good position come christmas!
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Fuzzydoodle added 16:45 - Sep 13 We need to chant Mick's name the whole way through the game tomorrow to let him know how much we want him to stay at PR. It would be an absolute disaster if he left IMHO.
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BuckieBlue added 17:32 - Sep 13 Not exactly a 'no thanks to the job just now.' Hope O'Neill gets job... and quickly. This could prove unsettling for the squad and we can't afford many more dropped points at this stage.
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JWM added 17:49 - Sep 13 It's so Bloody typical of some 'so called' fans on here! Some of the posts that express solid support for our current manager get negative points! I support MICK McCARTHY'S BARMY ARMY!!!!!!!!! ..........waiting for all the negative points!
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Stato added 17:49 - Sep 13 It speaks volumes about the current state of affairs at Portman Road that Mick would rather have the ROI job than continue with us.
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RetroBlue added 18:23 - Sep 13 So MM didnt actually rule himself out of the job like the others have. Just that MO'N is nailed on to get it , but had Mick been asked , he'd have been very interested. Marcus Evans take very careful note! Give the guy some financial backing!
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hairbear added 18:26 - Sep 13 Disappointed that MM didn't give the same reaction as houghton & McDermott. If its not this job there will be another that will be along soon & I think MM will be off. Sad but he hardly sounds 100% committed.
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Cakeman added 18:33 - Sep 13 I think Mick would really like to stay and succeed with us. However I do fear that he may not get enough funding to bring in who he wants. It would appear that he has built a tremendous team spirit at the club which is more than Keane and Jewell did but whether or not the squad has enough ability is questionable. If he feels he cannot do anymore with what he has then that just may mean he will move aside. His feelings for our club are strong though in my opinion so I just hope Marcus can open his wallet (financial fair play permitting) to bring in that much required 20 goal a season man.

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WhoisJimmyJuan added 18:54 - Sep 13 I think it is understandable for MM to fancy another crack at the Eire job. If he was asked, I think he would jump at it. People may interpret this as disloyalty but Sir Alf and Sir Bobby both went with the club's blessing, so I don't see much difference. Managing at international level or managing at Championship level? I think a lot of managers would go for it. Granted McDermott and Hughton ruled themselves out, but MM did it before and loved it. I think all he is saying is that he would love to have been asked, but as he hasn't been he is happy to stay with us.

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jas0999 added 19:14 - Sep 13 It would have been wrong for Mick to rule himself out. This is another honest and realistic interview.we know he wants to return to the Ireland job at some point and unlike the others who have ruled themselves out, Mick has not received the same backing from his club. I really want Mick to stay, but would wish him well if he went.
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portmanteau added 21:50 - Sep 13 like most people mick will do his best for his employer and for us the fans within the constrictions imposed on him, financially and otherwise. we cannot ask for more than that and if he decides to go somewhere else, thats his perogative. length of contracts in football and indeed in any activity where big money is involved, are simply ignored these days when it suits any or all parties. what concerns me is the parlous state of itfc's finances. according to last years accounts income was £15 mill ( gate £5 + tv 5 + commercial 5). wages /salaries were £18 mill so the business runs at a loss before you mention the £ 70 mill debt owed to ME. seems to me he wins all round. whatever money he puts in is guaranteed to be returned to him plus a handsome rate of interest. is that really what an owner is for? are town's losses and debt set against his other companies gains I wonder. sounds unsustainable and if/when he decides town is no longer useful to him, where do we find the probable £100 mill to repay the debt? football and results on the pitch seem to be way down his list of priorities.

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muccletonjoe added 23:04 - Sep 13 Well at least we know mm opinion on itfc. Personally I can't wait for him to leave. Commitment is the number one requirement from any manager and you will not have that from a guy looking elsewhere after 9 months in the job
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