Matt Holland today hailed Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy as "one of the hottest managerial properties around."
Ireland stand on the brink of the World Cup finals, with only Iran blocking the route to Korea and Japan, and Holland was keen to pay tribute to the man who masterminded that success.
"Before playing for Ireland I only knew Mick by reputation," admitted the Ipswich midfielder. "That reputation has grown now to such an extent that he’s regularly touted for top club jobs, particularly in the Premiership."
Holland has been a member of McCarthy’s Ireland since making his debut against Macedonia in 1999. Thirteen caps later, the 27-year-old has had plenty of opportunity to assess the Ireland boss’s credentials and has nothing but praise for the tutelage on offer.
"I’ve found him to be a very good man manager, very good on the training field and basically a good man. He’s also very loyal as we’ve seen from the cases of, say, Jason McAteer and Steve Staunton, who he’s regularly selected even though they’re not playing at club level.
"His message is clear: give him 100 per cent and he’ll give just that back."
Obviously in a generous mood, Holland also heaped praise upon his captain Roy Keane, who took part in the squad training session this morning..
"It’s great to see that he’s fit," said Holland. "He’s a massive influence on us and is one of the best midfielders in the world with every attribute you look for from somebody in that position. He’s got skill on the ball, passing, tackling and high energy.
"He showed all of those qualities against the Dutch and I’m sure he’ll do it again on Saturday."
Keane’s availability of course means that Holland will have to fight for the one remaining midfield berth with Mark Kinsella and the Ipswich man insists he’ll not harbour any grudges should he be left out of the starting line-up
"There’s fierce competition for places in this squad," he acknowledged. "But we’re all very close. Whatever 11 takes to the pitch against Iran, you can be sure all the others will be 100 per cent behind them."
That team spirit is the main reason why there was no Chelsea-style defections for the away leg in Tehran, despite it’s proximity to neighbouring Afghanistan.
"Our attitude is basically if one goes, we all go," confirmed Holland. "Besides, Mick went out to Tehran the other week and he alleviated any fears we might have.
"It may not be the ideal place to go - given the current environment - but given the prize at stake, we’d go anywhere to play this match."