McCarthy focus on Swiss
Tuesday, October 8, 2002
Article summary
Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy reiterated his commitment to leading the team.
Article body
Sunderland rumours
On the day McCarthy announced his 22-man squad for the Group 10 game in Dublin, he took the opportunity to play down rumours linking him with managerless English Premiership side Sunderland AFC.
'Want to go to Portugal'
The manager admitted he was "flattered" by the interest, but said he wanted to stay with Ireland. "It's not so long ago that I signed a new contract, and I want to see that through, I want to go to Portugal," said McCarthy.
Kenna back
McCarthy's squad was notable for the inclusion of Birmingham City FC captain Jeff Kenna - recalled after a three-year exile. Kenna won the last of 27 caps in the EURO 2000™ play-off against Turkey, yet could feature at Lansdowne Road with regular right-backs Stephen Carr and Steve Finnan out injured.
McAteer missing
McCarthy also named Manchester United FC defender John O'Shea but Sunderland midfield player Jason McAteer misses the match on 16 October through injury.
Republic of Ireland squad
Given, Kiely, Colgan, Harte, Breen, Kelly, Cunningham, O'Shea, O'Brien, Babb, Kenna, Holland, Healy, Kinsella, Carsley, Delap, McPhail, Kilbane, Keane, Morrison, Duff, Doherty.
