World Cup: McCarthy in contract negotiations

Mick McCarthy is in negotiations with FAI officials today over a new contract.

Sources suggest McCarthy could be set to sign a new four-year deal that would see him remain in charge until the World Cup in Germany 2006.

The 43-year-old has been in charge since 1996 on successive two-year contracts but it is believed McCarthy will be rewarded with an extended deal after guiding Ireland to the 2002 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the FAI is expected to announce that the USA will play Ireland in a World Cup warm-up in Lansdowne Road on April 17, 2002.