McCarthy and O’Leary in running for sacked Wilko’s job

MICK McCARTHY and David O’Leary have been linked to the vacant managerial position at Sunderland after Howard Wilkinson was sacked last night.

Ironically the two former Republic of Ireland team mates had been tipped to take charge at the Stadium of Light after Peter Reid left in October before Wilkinson was appointed.

McCarthy has been out of football since his resignation as manager of the national side, while former Leeds boss, O’Leary has enjoyed a strong presence in the game through his role as an analyst for newspapers and for Sky Sports.