FAI: We will name new manager in next 48 hrs
Ireland legend Mcgrath backing his old team-mate to do a good job... with Robbie Keane helping
MICK Mccarthy is set for a second stint as Ireland boss – and a former team-mate says he’d love to see it.
Paul Mcgrath played alongside Mccarthy at the heart of the Republic’s defence and for him during his first stint as manager.
The soccer legend backed his old pal to take over from Martin O’neill who quit on Wednesday. And he said it would be “magnificent” if goal ace Robbie Keane joined the coaching staff.
Mcgrath, 58, told Classic FM: “I would love to see Mick coming back. I played alongside him for a number of years and he was hilarious as a human and he was a bully on the pitch which helped Ireland.
“Robbie back in any sort of shape or form with the Irish team would be magnificent – if he can bring his coaching knowledge he’s learning, and be connected with Mick somehow and bring it on board and just get Ireland moving again.”
Mccarthy, 59, first took charge in 1996 but quit after the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea where he guided the Boys in Green to the last 16.
Little separated Mccarthy and Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny in the betting yesterday morning but by afternoon the former Ipswich, Sunderland and Wolves manager was at 1/14.
A surge of bets saw Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook drop to 4/1 but it’s understood Mccarthy will be named the new Ireland boss before next weekend’s Euro 2020 draw.