O’Neill a shoo-in, insists Big Mick

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy expects Martin O’Neill to succeed Giovanni Trapattoni as manager of Ireland and believes the Derry native is the perfect man for the job.

McCarthy, who previously held the position from 1996 until 2002, has been second favourite behind O’Neill since Trapattoni’s departure and says he wasn’t too shocked to hear his name mentioned in connection with the role.

“I’m not surprised because I did a good job the last time,” he said. “But Martin O’Neill’s getting the job as far as I’m aware, absolutely nailed on, a shoo-in for it.