Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy insisted last night that he wants to stay on as Ireland manager but reiterated his intention to sit down with representatives of the FAI in the very near future, writes Emmet Malone.
When asked on BBC Radio 5 if he was still working normally McCarthy replied: "Absolutely, I've been planning for the Greece game, looking for the tapes and all of that but I do feel that with all of the speculation I should sit down and talk to, well, my employers."
That meeting may now take place later than originally intended as McCarthy's planned appearance on this Friday night's Late Late show aimed at promoting his World Cup Diary has been postponed.
McCarthy conceded during the interview that Ireland had made a very poor start to the current European Championship campaign and acknowledged that his dispute with Roy Keane continues to hang over him but he also criticised the Irish media once again for what he feels is its ongoing "negativity".
He said that in the circumstances he needed to talk to the FAI's officials in order "to see what people are thinking, what they are feeling about it".
The FAI, meanwhile, issued a statement yesterday saying that they were in regular contact with McCarthy but he had yet to request any meeting with the association.
It said that any such request he might make over the coming days would be accommodated by the organisation's senior officials. In the meantime, it was added, "the FAI and manager will continue finalising arrangements for the friendly international against Greece in Athens on November 20th."
Souness looks to Duff
BLACKBURN manager Graeme Souness is banking on his young team to savour the "unique" Parkhead atmosphere when they face Celtic in the UEFA Cup tomorrow night.
The former Rangers boss believes players like David Dunn, David Thompson and Damien Duff can rise to the challenge. Republic of Ireland midfielder Duff is set to make his comeback against his boyhood idols following a hamstring injury picked up in the Euro 2004 qualifier against Switzerland earlier this month.
FA launch inquiry
The English Football Association last night launched an investigation into the fracas which erupted on the final whistle after Leeds United's draw at Middlesbrough last Saturday. It could pave the way for George Boateng to face a misconduct charge. The Middlesbrough midfielder appeared to spit in the direction of Leeds's Jonathan Woodgate and Nicky Barmby after becoming embroiled in an argument with the latter. Barmby, sporting scratches on his face, has also insisted that he was subsequently attacked by Boateng in the tunnel.
The Dutchman had alleged that he was provoked by racist abuse from Barmby, claims vehemently denied by the former England midfielder.
Keane to decide
Roy Keane has been given until 5 p.m. on Friday to launch an appeal against his recent five-match ban and £150,000 fine. Keane returned from a break yesterday to resume his recovery from a hip operation and is due to start his ban on November 4th, with a domestic return pencilled in for the December 7th encounter with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Alex Ferguson hopes his captain will have a game before that, possibly the Champions League encounter with Bayer Leverkusen on November 13th. Keane is free to play in Europe.
Quinn may retire
Niall Quinn has admitted that his career could be at an end after a long-standing back injury flared up again. The 36-year-old had a scan yesterday. "I've had problems for more than 18 months and I'll see the surgeon, but I'm not hopeful," he said.
Jackie Jameson dies
Jackie Jameson , the former Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers striker, has died suddenly at the age of 45. A former member of Ireland's squad for the qualifying stages of the 1988 Olympics, Jameson started his senior career with Rovers and had a brief spell at Dundalk before going on to spend three seasons at St Patrick's Athletic and then nine at Dalymount Park. During his time with the Phibsboro club he established himself as one of the league's most talented players and scored 70 goals in 205 appearances.
In brief . . .
Bolton were yesterday "assessing their options" after midfielder Stig Tofting said he will appeal the four-month jail term imposed on him. The Denmark international was sentenced on October 16th for an attack on a Copenhagen restaurant manager in June. Bolton have said that the 33-year-old would not play for them again until the appeal action was resolved, but the legal process could take months to resolve.
Longford Town have been told that their appeal against the deduction of nine points after it was found that no international registration had been obtained for Avery John will be heard tomorrow.
