McCarthy: Protest won’t help us play any better

“That’s gonna be a hell of a title for his door, isn’t it?” said Mick McCarthy with a grin when John Delaney’s new job title was referenced at yesterday’s pre-match press conference.

But, in response to questions about reports that possible anti-Delaney and anti-FAI protests by fans at the Aviva Stadium this evening could see tennis balls thrown onto the pitch, the Ireland manager – while at one point quipping that he might bring his tennis racket with him – made it clear that he would rather any such demonstration didn’t take place on the night.