McCarthy on a knife-edge

THE FAI will have to address the issues raised by Mick McCarthy in his post-match press conference at Lansdowne Road when he made statements suggesting the day of his departure may be fast approaching.

McCarthy, the longest serving national team manager in Europe after more than six years in the job, is contracted to the FAI until February 2004. And although he stated he intended to see his contract through, some of the ideas he floated suggested he might be about to review his situation.

The most radical statement he made was that the controversy surrounding his position was impacting upon the dressing-room and on the performances of the players. He said: “I feel a bit sorry for the players actually because I think my current situation has affected team spirit and morale.”