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.”

---

Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy 'worried

---

And their current predicted final table this 'super-computer' predicted that Liverpool would win by just a point. has asked one club if they will report another club to the Premier
Super Computer predicts The Championship - it's good news for

---

Barry Fry has resigned as Peterborough director after he was fined £35,000 and banned for four months by the Football Association for breaking its rules against betting. The 'termination of
Barry Fry: Peterborough director resigns after accepting FA

---

FA Cup third round early round-up: Man United edge past Reading, as Brighton and West Ham also win while Stoke left it late to secure a replay with Shrewsbury Posted on March 1, 2019 It's football's favourite weekend of the year - the FA Cup third round.
FA Cup round-up: QPR suffer 48th third-round defeat to equal

---

Southampton striker Charlie Austin is set to leave the club in the January transfer window, with a few clubs interested in signing him. The 29-year-old has attracted strong interest from Wolves and Aston Villa, as he searches for first team football after having limited game time at St. Mary's.
Exclusive: Charlie Austin to leave Southampton this month

---

Manchester City vs Liverpool: Pep Guardiola reveals Kevin De Bruyne may miss crunch Premier League clash The Belgium midfielder missed Sunday's defeat of Southampton and is a doubt for Thursday's
Kevin De Bruyne injury: Manchester City star to miss Premier

---

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has gone toe-to-toe with Cristiano Ronaldo after the two posed for a photo on Thursday evening. The pair, who are regarded as arguably the best in their respective sports, are currently enjoying breaks away in Dubai in a bid to escape the chilly winter conditions of England and Italy.
'AJBXNG X CR7': Giant Anthony Joshua outmuscles Cristiano

---

Benjamin Mendy: Man City defender has won six trophies despite playing just 22 matches fpnews May 13, 2019 0 Benjamin Mendy may not have played much football over the past couple of seasons, but that has clearly not affected his ability to win trophies.
Benjamin Mendy determined to make Man City career work amid

---

And Parlour, who won a number of trophies in north London including three Premier League titles believes it's time for Arsenal to ditch any top-four aspirations for this season and focus on the FA Cup and Europa League. Speaking to talkSPORT after the Hammers defeat, Parlour said: "Poor performance from Arsenal but for me it's all about
"It's all about the cups" UK News | World News | Latest News

---

Former Liverpool and Newcastle defender Jose Enrique has opened up about his brain tumour admitting he was "scared s***less " . The 32-year-old was diagnosed with a rare form of the condition in
Jose Enrique shares pictures of his brain tumour treatment

---

Zinedine Zidane refused to discuss Gareth Bale's future after the Welsh star was snubbed for Real Madrid's clash against Villarreal. The 29-year-old did not even make the bench for Sunday's LaLiga encounter at the Bernabeu, which ended in a 3-2 win for Real, Talksport.com reports.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane refuses to discuss Gareth

---