McCarthy may take over Black Cats reins

DESPITE pledging his future to the Irish team, speculation was still mounting last night that Mick McCarthy may become the next manager of Sunderland.

McCarthy took the opportunity of yesterday’s press conference, announcing his squad for the Swiss game next week, to pour cold water on the suggestions he is ready to take the reins at the Stadium of Light. McCarthy has been touted as a possible replacement to Peter Reid since the World Cup.

“I want to take Ireland to Euro 2004 in Portugal,” he declared. “I am flattered to be associated with the Sunderland job and am disappointed for Peter Reid, but I am only concentrating on next week’s game against Switzerland.”