Training facilities are excellent, says McCarthy

By Jim Caldwell

MANAGER Mick McCarthy has denied the Republic of Ireland have complained to FIFA about their hotel and training facilities as they prepare for Sunday’s last 16 clash with Spain in Suwon.

Ireland arrived late on Wednesday night on a bumpy flight and manager McCarthy rejected the first training ground he was offered.

But the next one he was shown was acceptable and his squad trained this afternoon.

“The facilities here are excellent and we are very happy. Contrary to suggestions we have not made any complaint to FIFA and we have no concerns whatsoever about either our hotel or training facilities.

“There were three training grounds available, but Turkey had already taken one of them and I didn’t like the second one, but the third is fine.’’ The Irish training camp is a military base 30 minutes outside of Seoul so there was a heavy presence of armed guards at yesterday’s session.

There were also suggestions Ireland had been unhappy about the small plane which FIFA provided for their passage from Tokyo, which was affected by turbulence, but in truth only a much larger plane would have made a noticeable difference.

Five players sat out training yesterday.

Goalkeeper Dean Kiely had problems with a tooth and went to see a dentist; Damien Duff has a knee problem, fellow striker Robbie Keane has a groin strain, skipper Steve Staunton has a thigh problem and Kevin Kilbane is nursing an ankle knock.

McCarthy added: ‘‘I think they will all be okay and we are looking forward to our game on Sunday and being the underdogs once again.’’