Mick McCarthy praised Town captain Matt Holland and the rest of his players after they exited the World Cup in a penalty shoot-out with Spain. Holland was one of three players who missed their kicks, the Spanish winning 3-2.

McCarthy praised Holland, who took the second Irish kick and watched it hit the top of the bar, saying he was one of the stars of the World Cup so far: "Matty Holland has been one of the players of the tournament for me and he missed a penalty.

"He has been outstanding throughout this tournament and he's been an inspiration in the middle of the park because of what happened prior to the competition."

"I am very proud of my players. We didn't deserve to lose, we deserved to win in normal time. It's sickening.

"They are a wonderful bunch of people, these players. I am sure thrilled to have had the chance to work for them.

"You saw us all together [prior to the shoot-out]. I told them whatever happened there would be no recriminations. We have a had a wonderful World Cup. I have nothing but admiration for those players."

Holland said prior to the Spanish game that he had previously only ever taken one penalty in competitve football but would not shirk the responsibility should Ireland find themselves facing a shoot-out. That was back in his Bournemouth days in very different circumstances to Sunday in Suwon.

Throughout the tournament there has been a vast amount of speculation regarding the midfielder's future. Valuations of up to £10 million have been claimed in the press, while half the Premiership and a number of foreign sides are said to be interested in his signature.

George Burley and David Sheepshanks have both said they are keen to keep hold of Holland but both admit that every player has his price.

Should Town decide to cash in their skipper 25% of the profit made on the £800,000 the Blues paid Bournemouth for his sevices will go to the Cherries.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls