World Cup: McCarthy contract runs until February

The FAI has refuted claims that Mick McCarthy's current contract expires after the Cyprus game next month.

Instead, FAI Executive Eddie Cox has assured that McCarthy is under contractual obligation until February 2002.

However, it is thought that the Association will begin negotiations to extend that deal sooner rather than later in an effort to secure the long-term signature of the man whose skills have taken Ireland to the brink of World Cup qualification.

Reports suggest that McCarthy will favour a short-term extension that would see him through next summers finals at which point a decision on his future would be taken.