McCarthy's leadership qualities shone bright at Palace

Twice he took caretaker charge of the team, most recently in the 1-1 draw against Everton between the reigns of Roy Hodgson and incumbent Oliver Glasner.

VOCIFEROUS: Assistant coach Paddy McCarthy meets players from the Ireland Down Syndrome futsal team. Pic: Ryan Byrne, Inpho

Damien Delaney was signed by Crystal Palace to replace Paddy McCarthy but the Corkman feels his compatriot has the skillset to prosper as Ireland coach.

Interim boss John O’Shea and the former Ireland U21 captain has been working together, alongside Glenn Whelan and Brian Kerr, preparing Ireland for the friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.