Sunderland's Jason McAteer, who earned over 50 caps under McCarthy, has been quick to praise his former boss, describing news of his departure as terrible. McAteer, who scored the goal which beat Holland and took Ireland to the World Cup, said, “We're all shocked - it's a sad day for Irish football. I've spoken to a couple of the other lads (including team-mate Kevin Kilbane) and we're shocked.
McAteer, also believed the media played a major part in McCarthy’s departure saying, “The power of the pen is mighty in this day and age - the majority of journalists never wanted him to have the job and they have given him a tough time. They took any chance they had to stick the knife in his back. Tonight they will be happy but there are a lot of unhappy players.”
He added, “Look at the Ireland team - we've got a handful of world-class players, players such as Damian Duff and Robbie Keane. The rest - me included - are not world-class but we all muck in together. Mick got us to the World Cup and that's the pinnacle of our careers. Irish football is healthier than it has been for years.”
Ray Houghton was also quick to praise McCarthy saying, “He's progressed and got the best out of the group of players he's got. He took over an ageing squad in 1996. Look at the team then - we were all in our 30s and he knew he had to turn things round.
“They were unlucky to lose out in play-offs for the European Championships in 1998 and the World Cup in 2000, yet got qualified this year from one of the strongest groups. If you ring the players and ask them how they feel now they won't be happy at all.”
Filed by Johnny Proby
