Luck of the Irish could save Sunderland

Mick McCarthy appears the man most likely to succeed Peter Reid as Sunderland boss, while his former Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn prepares the “devastated” Black Cats for life under a new manager.

Another Irishman, David O’Leary, was an early favourite with the bookies to take the Stadium of Light job, but press reports in the north-east last night suggest he will not be considered.