Controversy surrounds future of McCarthy

There are conflicting reports this morning surrounding the future of Mick McCarthy as Ireland manager.

While sources suggest the FAI will grant Sunderland permission to talk to McCarthy early next week, reports in the Sunderland Echo this morning claim the Ireland boss is not the man Sunderland want to succeed Peter Reid.

The latest names to be linked with the vacancy are former Leeds United boss Howard Wilkinson and Joe Royle.

However, McCarthy met with FAI top brass last night in a scheduled meeting and it is understood they have granted permission for an approach from Sunderland early next week.

Meanwhile, just hours after being recalled to the Ireland squad after a 3-year absence Birmingham City skipper Jeff Kenna has been forced to withdraw. Kenna, who hasn't featured in Mick McCarthy's panel since November 1999, has an achilles problem.