Giovanni Trapattoni has left his job as manager of the Republic of Ireland following last night’s 1-0 defeat in a World Cup qualifier in Austria. Blues boss Mick McCarthy continues to be amongst those reported to be in the running to succeed the Italian.

Trapattoni’s departure had seemed inevitable since Friday’s loss to Sweden and last night’s further defeat left Ireland with only a mathematical chance of making next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

An FAI statement reads: "Following an amicable meeting this morning, Giovanni Trapattoni and [assistant manager] Marco Tardelli have parted company [with the FAI] by mutual consent."

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 some bookies, the Town manager is currently the 10-1 second favourite to replace the Italian, who had been in charge since 2008, with the currently-out-of-work ex-Northern Ireland international Martin O’Neill odds-on to get the job at 4-5.

Some bookies have Leeds boss Brian McDermott ahead of McCarthy as second favourite at 7-1, while former Town manager Roy Keane is another listed, generally at around the 16-1 mark.

Trapattoni was contracted to the FAI until after the 2014 World Cup but with World Cup qualification becoming 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.”

Over the weekend it was 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, who is contracted to the Blues until the summer of 2015.

Photo: Action Images

plcplue added 11:58 - Sep 11 MM is a man of his word, who has a reputation and proven track record of honouring his contracts and not jumping from one job to another. He enjoyed his time with Ireland and will return one day I'm sure. But for now he won't be going anywhere.
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sweas77 added 11:59 - Sep 11 There will be weeks of speculation linking McCarthy to the ROI job, so lets hope Mick or the club issue statement nice and early saying he is going nowhere
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Robbie12345 added 12:00 - Sep 11 Ahh crap.. Bad times lol
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sotd78 added 12:06 - Sep 11 You could not blame him if he does leave. Working with no major financial help here is a real challenge. A lot depends on how he views day to day involvement with a club versus the isolation of being a manager of a national team. Given that he has done both it will be easy for him to decide....lets hope he does not get offered!
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theobald1985 added 12:11 - Sep 11 I rekon he would take it if approached but dont think he will be approched. modern FAs dont like mick style anymore they want possesion football. Pretty sure i prefer all out attack football to both of those styles. lets go 4-2-4
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Michael11 added 12:18 - Sep 11 The bookies have got it down as a one horse race with Martin O'Neill as favourite. Let's hope this is true! Would be gutted if Mick left but confident that he won't.
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debenturedave added 12:37 - Sep 11 Give it to Keano!
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ntoms97 added 12:42 - Sep 11 Keane would not accept that job its barely possible to waste money!!
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bluemikey100 added 13:12 - Sep 11 oh well thanx mick dont go no no no
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Umros added 13:21 - Sep 11 This would be taking the Mick..........
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Arthur added 14:00 - Sep 11 Yeah, give it RK it would get him off the telly
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Lennyboy added 16:59 - Sep 11 The job will go to Martin O'Neill as he's available now without having to pay compensation to any club, it's as simple as that. I suspect an announcement to be imminent confirming O'Neill as the new boss.
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