FAI want Mick to stay

The Football Association of Ireland will try and persuade Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy to stay on beyond the European Championships in 2004.

McCarthy said earlier this week he would walk away from the job in 2004, regardless of whether his side qualify for the championships in Portugal.

The former Millwall boss admits he wants to return to club management and was favourite to take over from Peter Reid at Sunderland before Howard Wilkinson’s surprise appointment.

But FAI general secretary Brendan Menton said FAI officials would discuss the situation with McCarthy before his current contract runs out.

“We have risen to 13th in the FIFA rankings and reached the last 16 of the World Cup,” Menton told Sky Sports News. “Mick has been very, very successful and that has to be recognised. Mick’s results have been fantastic.

“We are delighted the Sunderland issue was quickly put to bed. We are not surprised his name is linked when jobs come up.

“We are delighted he is staying for the full Euro 2004 campaign and we will be speaking to him.

“We have a young team that is only improving. Mick may have his own ambitions but we will certainly sit down with him before the end of his current contract.”