It was a busy week for the FAI as manager Martin O’Neill and assistant manager Roy Keane stepped down from the men’s senior side following a disappointing run of form. Former Ireland man Ray Houghton shared his thoughts on O’Neill’s successor Mick McCarthy.
Houghton spoke on McCarthy’s appointment and the main challenge that faces the former Ipswich manager as the new Ireland number one.
“Mick knows the job, he’s been here before. He qualified us in 2002 for the World Cup.”
“He’s got a big job on his hands, he knows that he’s no fool.”
“He’ll have been watching the Ireland games recently. He’ll have seen that we’ve struggled to create opportunities, we’ve not scored in our last four games and that’s something he’s got to address and address quickly.”
Ireland are among the host nations for the Euro’s in 2020 and with that comes added pressure to qualify and take part in the tournament. Does Ray feel that the appointment of McCarthy was rushed with that plan in mind?
“I don’t think so and I hope it’s not.”
“It shouldn’t matter the length of time really it takes because we haven’t got a game until next year so that shouldn’t be a major factor but what is a major factor is getting the right man in.”
“You have to feel in yourself as an association you’re bringing in someone who you believe can qualify us for 2020. We've got four games here in Ireland we're one of the host nations."
Listen to the show in full here;
Also on this mornings show we were joined by Joe Schmidt, Dave Kilcoyne and Ross Byrne following Ireland's November International win over the USA. Daniel Moore went from being addicted to cocaine and losing everything to getting his life on track and representing Ireland at the Homeless World Cup in Mexico. Mick Bohan signed a two year extension with the Dublin Ladies following their two in a row All Ireland wins.
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