The Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 home defeat to Sweden in Friday’s World Cup qualifier has led to renewed speculation that Giovanni Trapattoni’s reign might be coming to an end with Blues boss Mick McCarthy inevitably amongst those said to be in the running to succeed him.
Former Irish international centre-half McCarthy was previously in charge of Ireland for more than five years from 1996 and took them to the second round of the 2002 World Cup where they lost on penalties to Spain.
According to the bookies, the Town manager is the 7-1 second favourite to replace the Italian, who has been in charge since 2008, with the currently-out-of-work Martin O’Neill ahead of him at 2-1. Former Town manager Roy Keane is at 10-1.
Trapattoni, who appears to have no intention of resigning, is contracted to the FAI until after the 2014 World Cup but with qualification increasingly unlikely has been under pressure for some while.
McCarthy was previously tipped for a return to his old job before he joined Town last November, although he dismissed the links: "There were all sorts of stories that I’ve been tapped up and I’ve spoken to them, but it was barefaced lies. Nothing in it at all.”
However, he added that he could be interested in returning to the role at some point in the future should it become vacant: "I’d go back, but when it’s right, when it’s available. I’m not trying to add pressure on to anybody else.”
Soon after McCarthy took over at Portman Road it was reported that his contract included a clause which would allow him to exit Town if the FAI wanted him at the end of 2012/13 campaign without the Blues receiving any compensation, claims the Town boss played down: "I don’t discuss my contract, so where those stories come from I don’t know.”
It’s now reported that the clause expired at the end of August and that the FAI — whose finances are tight - would have to pay what is likely to be significant recompense to Town if they were to make a move for McCarthy.
Meanwhile, the Blues' only other mention in Sunday's tabloids was essentially a rerun of the unlikely Billy Sharp story from earlier in the week.