Wolves boss backed for Irish job

McCarthy left the job after losing the support of the fans in November 2002 after a 2-1 home defeat to Switzerland.

Givens, in temporary charge for the game against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on November 17, feels that despite that setback, McCarthy still has the respect of the senior players - and should be offered the job if he is interested in it.

"If you were looking at Irish-born candidates, then Mick (sic) and David O'Leary are by some distance the most creditable options out there," Givens said.

"Whether Mick wants it is something I do not know, but in terms of experience and ability to win the respect of the players, he would be ideal."

With their prospects of qualifying for the Euro 08 finals now finished, the Irish FA are taking their time over the appointment of Staunton's full-time successor.

But it is not proving an easy task especially as the reputation of the most obviously available candidate, O'Leary, is once more under the hammer.

O'Leary left Villa under a cloud more than a year ago having tested former chairman Doug Ellis's patience once too often and fallen foul of the supporters.

He has not been in work since but significantly re-appeared on the media circuit when Staunton was axed.

However, his reputation has come under fresh attack in a recent book by his former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, who has been heavily critical of O'Leary's dealings in the rise and fall of the Elland Road club.

Other contenders include Graeme Souness, who is also being linked to the Wigan vacancy at the moment, current England No.2 Terry Venables and ex-Republic stars Liam Brady and John Aldridge.

During 68 games in charge, of the Republic, McCarthy won 29, drew 19, and lost 20 and, after two narrow failures to qualify for the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, took the nation to the 2002 World Cup finals.

His infamous bust-up with Roy Keane did not stop a highly-credible performance at the tournament by the Republic but a poor start to the next Euro 2004 qualifiers saw him leave in November 2002.

But Givens accepts a return is highly unlikely but added: "I found him fantastic to work with, and believe that he did an excellent job. If he was available, he would be great. Yet, as we know, it isn't likely to happen."