Blues boss Mick McCarthy is listed as one bookmaker’s favourite for the Republic of Ireland job should current incumbent Martin O’Neill depart for Stoke City.

O’Neill has held talks with the Potters, although they are also understood to have spoken to Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who is believed to be their top target.

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.

Paddy Power lists the Town manager as their 7-2 favourite - at the time of writing - to succeed O’Neill should he move on, with ex-Blues manager Roy Keane, currently the former Northern Irish international’s assistant, second in the running at 6-1.

McCarthy was strongly linked with a return to the Ireland job in 2013 before O’Neill was handed the role.

Ireland failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup in Russia after being beaten 5-1 by Denmark in a play-off, all the goals coming in the second leg in Dublin.

O’Neill has verbally agreed a two-year extension to his Ireland contract but is yet to put pen to paper, which means he is currently effectively a free agent.

McCarthy’s Town contract is up at the end of the season and appears likely to leave the Blues, despite the club having an option to keep him for two further seasons.

Photo: TWTD

wayway added 17:51 - Jan 11 What a ridiculous post say McCarthy is the only one able to manage ITFC with the current budget restrictions. You do NOT have to play boring turgid goofball what ever money you have to play with. What was Mark Warburtons budget when he was at Brentford or Nigel Clough at Burton. It is not about money it is the football ethos and the sooner this boring dinosaur goes the better

15

12th_Man added 17:54 - Jan 11 Please go I'll fly you over myself
5

warktheline added 17:55 - Jan 11 How the hell did I forget the ever so forgettable Gcon! May need to upgrade to a 12 seater!
3

jas0999 added 17:55 - Jan 11 Good move for everyone.
5

bluesfan_whatever added 17:59 - Jan 11 After reading the comments in response to this news item ,I no longer wasn't tp support this team Not because of anything other than the negative and destructive opinions that are always expressed by so called fans This group have in my view have ruined any fun or enjoyment in supporting this club .It will not make a blind bit of difference Even if there is a change of manager or owner within a short period of time the same negative often nasty comments will appear Who wants enemies when you have got fans like this

-10

Gcon added 18:01 - Jan 11 Here we go, stand by for some hilarious taxi jokes......
2

Northstandveteran added 18:17 - Jan 11 Ok then. What's worse than it raining cats and dogs? Hailing taxi's
2

franco added 18:19 - Jan 11 Muck out!
4

oldegold added 18:24 - Jan 11 When is he going ?
1

liam88 added 18:34 - Jan 11 Gary come on Norwich (Gcon) you've been rumbled.
6

warktheline added 18:36 - Jan 11 Liam 😂😂👍
2

lightingblue added 18:56 - Jan 11 TBH if McCarthy were to go. Who are we seriously going to get. It'll be somebody of the similar level. Can we all be careful what we wish for. The grass ain't always greener and all that.
-9

Dissboyitfc added 18:58 - Jan 11 not going to build my hopes up too much, but would love for this to happen!
7

Geoff added 18:59 - Jan 11 Oh just the news I like to brighten up a dreary January day good riddance to that boring excuse.
5

Daleyitfc added 19:00 - Jan 11 Unfortunately we've had our hopes raised like this too many times before.
3

Westy added 19:08 - Jan 11 Hopefully he'll go to Stoke, get them relegated and guarantee us six points next season. We might even progress in the cup competitions
5

Taricco_Fan added 19:08 - Jan 11 Wonderful news.
3

midastouch added 19:09 - Jan 11 Please let this happen!
2

blueheartXT added 19:15 - Jan 11 At least it's clear to see the so called supporters that probably booed their own players before they even kicked a ball last season. That's the reason I haven't been back lucky it was no one near me I'd of got banned anyway. Be careful what you wish for Mick has never been given a fair budget and I doubt anyone new will get one Exciting football is what we all want Evans you have to open your dusty wallet

-4

WestSussexBlue added 19:22 - Jan 11 Please take the Magic Vegas sponsored shirts with you MM.
2

Bluetone added 19:28 - Jan 11 oh yes Ireland's loss would be our gain.
3

tractorboybig added 19:31 - Jan 11 Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo?????????
0

brittaniaman added 19:36 - Jan 11 After the excitement we have had on the previous comments ?? I suppose we have got to get back to Reality !!! No1 Flores has not said yes or no to Stoke No.2 is O'nell going to leave R.O.P. and No.3 Will McCarthy be offered the job ?????? because the Dark Lord is floating in the background But we can still all Dream Can't We ?????
2

Rensham added 19:40 - Jan 11 Sign him up with a two year contract quick, that way we can get some compensation.
2

midastouch added 19:43 - Jan 11 A major spanner in the works! :-( http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42653713
1

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