Several former Republic of Ireland internationals today praised manager Mick McCarthy and his team for their marvellous achievement in reaching the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and Korea. Leeds boss and Italia 90 hero David O'Leary toasted his former international team-mate and said McCarthy has finally emerged from the shadow of former Irish manager Jack Charlton.
"I'm delighted for him because when he took over he had to follow Jack Charlton," said O'Leary. "The dividing line for being a good manager is so fine. A couple of times they have missed out so cruelly. Mick has gelled them together, and they are a team that works for each other." However, O'Leary does not believe this current team is as good as Charlton's team of 1990. " I don't think so," he said. "But with that green and white, that colour, they will bring a great atmosphere to the World Cup," he added.
Another former Irish defender, Mark Lawrenson, was also full of praise for McCarthy and the team during the BBC's coverage of the game. "From the 12 games they played, including these two against Iran, they only lost one. They are not blessed with outstanding players but they work extremely hard for the team and themselves. Cast your mind back to some of the results, at home to Holland. They have just been outstanding with what they have got," he explained.
Former Irish midfielder Ray Houghton felt the result was deserved for a dogged performance in a hostile atmosphere. "You have to say we defended ever so well right from Shay Given in goal to Robbie Keane up front. It wasn't entertaining but it was about getting the right result. They've done everything right, and it was a professional performance," said Houghton on Sky Sports.
"What the players are going through now is the best feeling in the world. When the group was first out and people saw the two teams in there with us, Portugal and Holland, everybody thought we would come third - so it's a phenomenal achievement to go out there and put on a performance like that when it mattered most and to do it without Roy Keane was tremendous," added Houghton.
The delight at the Republic's win even extended to the world of rugby. Ireland captain Keith Wood said that he was thrilled with the soccer team's qualification. "We were all watching, hoping they would make it. The Irish people are sports mad and over the last few years they have not had that much to cheer about. But we were just as excited as the fans when we were watching the game.
"I can't say it will help us tomorrow, because you don't have time to think about soccer when you are playing against the All Blacks, but we are extremely proud of what they have achieved. They missed out last time, but I'm sure they will make up for it. It will be a great occasion," said Wood.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
