McCarthy seeks meeting to clarify future

Mick McCarthy will meet the Football Association of Ireland later this week to clarify his future with the national team.

Mick McCarthy will meet the Football Association of Ireland later this week to clarify his future with the national team.

The Republic of Ireland manager has come under fire following his side's poor start to their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign.

McCarthy has already stated he will leave the post in two years' time, but he said today: "I want to sit down, chat with them [the FAI] and see what we're doing, how things are.

"I've been away; I've had my week and I'll speak to the FAI," he said. "I'll speak to a few players also. I'll have a chat with all of them. Let's see how they feel".

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Ireland have nothing to show from their opening Euro 2004 fixtures against Russia and Switzerland and McCarthy claims he will do what is best for the team.

"I've been involved with Ireland since 1984 as a player, coach and manager and I've given absolutely everything.

"But there also comes a time when you recognise that enough is enough. At the end of it, I'll do what is good for the team and Irish football.

"If it was for the best for me not to be there, I would have to consider it. But I'm still doing the job until something happens to change my mind," he said.