Mick McCarthy: 'It's only right and fair that Stephen gets his chance before October'

Mick McCarthy admits it’s ‘bittersweet’ to hand over the reins of the Republic of Ireland national team to Stephen Kenny without seeing out the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

The Yorkshireman was due to see out the current campaign before stepping down for Ireland under-21 boss Kenny but the postponement of the Euros prompted a rethink.

Ireland had been due to face Slovakia in a play-off semi-final last month but that was postponed due to the shutdown of football, as was the mooted rescheduled date in June.

With McCarthy’s contract set to expire at the end of July, the FAI have opted to fast-track the original succession plan and put former Dundalk manager Kenny into the role with immediate effect.

And 61-year-old McCarthy expressed his disappointment at not getting to finish the job while wishing Kenny the best for the remainder of the campaign.

"What are my thoughts? I said on December 1 2018 when I took the job that I'd be leaving on July 31st come what may,” McCarthy told FAI TV.

"Those discussions were based on us qualifying and maybe doing really well in the Euros. I said I was leaving and that's still the case. It's been brought forward because of what's been happening worldwide.”

McCarthy drew parallels to Age Hareide, whose Denmark side beat Ireland to the second automatic promotion spot in Group C thanks to a 1-1 draw at Lansdowne Road in November.

Hareide had been due to lead Denmark to the finals in June before stepping down at the end of his contract but his place will also be taken by successor Kasper Hjulmand later this summer.

"It’s hugely disappointing but I fully understand it as well. I see Age Hareide is the same, the Denmark coach who is a pal of mine. He started the same competition and he's leaving now.

"Because his successor was already picked to take over and mine was the same. It's disappointing I can't finish it off. I think we've had a really good campaign.

"We were almost there in November when we played Denmark. Sadly we didn't (get through then).

"And so the playoffs have been pushed back and I fully understand it,. Stephen's been contracted to take over in August and good luck to him. He'll get the chance to qualify.

"It gives everybody clarity. To the real credit of Gary (Owens) and Roy (Barrett), they've taken over and made this decision quickly.

“And I support the decision. It's only right and fair that Stephen gets his chance before October 1st.

"It's bitter-sweet but I fully support it. And I'm absolutely staying in football. What it does mean is I'm back on the market! I can look for a job with impunity."

He concluded: "I've loved being back, I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been an absolute pleasure and honour to do the job again. And I'm leaving Stephen with a healthy balance to be quite honest.

"I said yesterday to Roy that the one thing I would certainly ask for when leaving is a couple of tickets for next year's Euros when we've qualified.

“I can come back and watch with the rest of the fans, who have been wonderful towards me and my staff and the players from day one."