The FAI will try to persuade manager Mick McCarthy to stay on beyond the European Championships in 2004.

McCarthy said earlier this week he would walk away from the job in 2004, regardless of whether his side qualify for the championships in Portugal.

The former Millwall boss admits he wants to return to club management and was favourite to take over at Sunderland before Howard Wilkinson's appointment.

But FAI general secretary Brendan Menton said FAI officials would discuss the situation with McCarthy before his current contract runs out. "Mick has been very, very successful and that has to be recognised. Mick's results have been fantastic," he said.