Mick McCarthy: Republic of Ireland boss admits his side avoided their ‘worst result in a long, long time’ against Gibraltar

Mick McCarthy: Republic of Ireland boss admits his side avoided their ‘worst result in a long, long time’ against Gibraltar
Mick McCarthy has admitted his Republic of Ireland side avoided their ‘worst result in a long, long time’ as they scraped past Gibraltar in his first game back as manager on Saturday.Jeff Hendrick’s first-half strike ensured the Republic started their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign in the best possible fashion, but it was a laboured display from the Irish on the Iberian Peninsula.And McCarthy, who previously captained the nation during his playing days, says he was just happy to come away from a ‘horrible’ game with all three points.3

McCarthy’s second debut as Ireland manager was not a match for the neutrals

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: “It was great to be back, but the game was horrible.“We were playing on a plastic pitch to start with. “I don’t like them whatsoever, and I’m sure that’s the same with my players.“We’re then stuck between a rock and a runway, not a rock and a hard place.“The conditions were just awful, the wind was all over the place.“These type of games are just not enjoyable.3

Ireland’s match winner Jeff Hendrick celebrates with the travelling fans at the final whistle after the win against Gibraltar

“A win is a win at the end of the day.“In all honesty, we could’ve had our worst result in a long, long time, so it was very much job done from our point of view.”McCarthy likened his side’s task in Spain to that of a non-league outfit eyeing a giant killing against one of England’s big sides in the Cup.He added: “You ask any Premier League side who goes to a non-league side in the FA Cup if they really, hand on heart, enjoy it?

LIVE on talkSPORT

There are six live commentaries across the talkSPORT network this week. Find out what they are and where to hear them, below...

• Montenegro vs England (Monday) talkSPORT
• France vsIceland (Monday) talkSPORT 2
• Czech Republic vs Brazil (Tuesday) talkSPORT 2
• West Brom vs Birmingham (Friday) talkSPORT 2
• West Ham vs Everton (Saturday) talkSPORT
• Portsmouth vs Sunderland (Sunday) talkSPORT 2

“It’s an even worse feeling when they get knocked out – but luckily we got the job done.“They [Gibraltar] contributed to the game, they’re an athletic side who battled hard for each other.“I’d have taken 1-0 before going on the plane to Gibraltar though all day long.”Next up for McCarthy and co. is the visit of Georgia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night, with a bumper crowd expected for the 60-year-old’s homecoming in Dublin.3

McCarthy agreed to become Ireland manager until after Euro 2020, when he will be replaced by Stephen Kenny

“It’s going to be a big crowd, so we’re hoping to get another three points on the board,” he said.“I’m loving being back in the manager’s hot seat, working with lads on the coaching field and managing them.“It is of course extra special to be back with the FAI.”

---

Charlton will be hoping to overcome Sunderland in a play-off final once again Getty Sasa Ilic (GK) After his Wembley heroics, Ilic could not prevent Charlton from making a swift return to England's second tier. He now owns a boutique hotel in Montenegro called Monte Bay Retreat. Danny Mills (RB)

---

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers slams Motherwell over unsporting goal that sent Parkhead crazy. Hoops manager was raging after Well failed to return the ball and ran away to net and says they should
Scotland Premiership - Scottish League - Footballnewspapers

---

Home American Football Manchester United news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Alexis Sanchez to get out of his seat after the forward was forced off through injury.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer provides injury update after Alexis

---

Bournemouth defender Adam Smith could be out for up to three months after picking up a knee injury against Newcastle earlier this month. The full-back was stretchered off after receiving eight
Adam Smith: Bournemouth defender out for three months

---

Manchester United paid Monaco €4m for 'ghost game' in Radamel Falcao deal, allege Football Leaks Manchester United agreed to pay Monaco €4million to play a 'ghost game' as part of the agreement to take Radamel Falcao on loan, according to the latest set of documents released by Football Leaks.
Radamel Falcao: 21 things you should know about the new

---

Danny Murphy clashes with journalist who asked Pep Guardiola about Financial Fair Play after FA Cup triumph received off-the-book payments from City following the club's 6-0 FA Cup final
Danny Murphy clashes with journalist who asked Pep Guardiola

---

Manchester United will face Leeds United in a friendly in Australia next year during their preseason tour, the first meeting between the old English rivals since 2011. The Premier League club said
Manchester United to play two 2019 pre-season games in

---

Terry McDermott believes Liverpool do not necessarily need to win a trophy this season to make their supporters proud. The Reds have had a superb season, amassing their highest points total in Premier League history with two matches still to play, while also making it to the Champions League semi-finals. Liverpool are in the hunt

---

Cristiano Ronaldo 'wants to join Chelsea' By Barney with Manchester United heavily linked with a move to bring the Portuguese back to Old Trafford at Get the latest transfer news, match
~ Tottenham team news: Predicted XI to face Everton in the

---

Mauricio Pochettino admitted that he has to "accept rumours" after finding himself linked with the vacant Manchester United job. Pochettino, speaking just hours after his friend Jose Mourinho was dismissed by United, shrugged that such speculation was just "part of our business".
Mauricio Pochettino refuses to rule out replacing Mourinho

---

Mauricio Pochettino is favourite to be the next permanent Manchester United manager, but if you were in his position, and received an offer for United, would you stick with Spurs or go to Old
Mauricio Pochettino ends doubt over his future as Tottenham

---

paper talk Transfer news and football gossip: Paul Pogba and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'fallout', Liverpool target Ajax star David Neres, Real Madrid plan for life without Gareth Bale
Paul Pogba and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'fallout', Liverpool
fussboll.com/2019/04/11/paul-pogba-and-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-fallout-liverpool-target-ajax-star-david-neres-real-madrid-plan-for-life-without-gareth-bale/
Paul Pogba and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'fallout', Liverpool target Ajax star David Neres, Real Madrid plan for life without Gareth Bale Real Madrid plan for life
Man Utd star Paul Pogba reveals first thing Ole Gunnar

---

Eredivisie give Ajax major boost ahead of Spurs semi-final Football Fan Cast Martin Odegaard: Real Madrid starlet is lighting up the Eredivisie and could be a summer transfer market bargain with
Transfer Talk: Man United eye move for Everton midfielder

---

"Standout fixtures include the London derby between West Ham and Tottenham, plus Liverpool's second visit to Leicester in a week" This weekend will see Manchester City and Manchester United attempt to continue their early domination of the Premier League with games against Crystal Palace and Southampton respectively.
Arsenal Players Will Get You Points, Avoid Manchester United

---

There are less than ten games until the end of the season so let's take a look at how the table could change in the remaining matches. Liverpool. A Premier League has been a long time coming for Liverpool but they currently sit second. The Reds have been battling for the top spot with Manchester City, and every match makes a difference to them.
Premier League table: How the top-flight could change this

---