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.”

---

Five things Chelsea must do to turn things around this season and beyond Chelsea's troubled season hit another low on Monday night when they were dumped out of the FA Cup at home to
15+ Things To Do In Montreal If You're Visiting For The First

---

Premier League Match Report for AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United on 3 November 2018, includes all goals and incidents. Have your say on the game in the comments.

---

World's highest paid athletes: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo lead Forbes' list for 2019. There is a new name atop Forbes' rankings of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar top Forbes 2019
sportstoft.com/soccer/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-and-neymar-top-forbes-2019-list-of-highest-paid-athletes/
Lionel Messi has beaten Cristiano Ronaldo to top spot in Forbes' 2019 list of the world's 100 highest-paid sports stars. The Barcelona forward earned USD 127million (£99.8million) over the last 12 months, USD 92million in salary and winnings and USD 35million in endorsements, according to the American business magazine.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar top Forbes 2019

---

CRISTIANO RONALDO'S first-half header put Juventus in the box seat in their Champions League tie with Ajax. The Portuguese forward struck a crucial away blow for the Serie A champions just before half-time at Amsterdam Arena. Cristiano Ronaldo's away goal put Juventus in pole position in their tie with AjaxAFP David Neres celebrates his
Fans React as Ronaldo nets 125th Champions League goal | Ajax

---

Stephen Darby: Bolton duo Phil Parkinson and Steve Parkin to undertake charity bike ride to raise funds for foundation by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 16 May Bolton boss Phil Parkinson and assistant Steve Parkin will be part of a ten-man team taking part in a fundraising challenge to raise money for the Stephen Darby Foundation this weekend.
Bol News, Scores, Schedule, Stats, Teamsheet - soccer - MSN Sport

---

Former West Ham and England player Stuart Pearce believes there's no reason why Declan Rice can't become Three Lions captain one day. Rice, 20, was called up to Gareth Southgate's squad for
Ex-Hammers defender believes West Ham sensation Declan Rice

---

All the latest Manchester United FC news, match previews and reviews, man utd transfer news and Man United FC blog posts from around the world, updated 24 hours a day.
Transfer News LIVE: Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool gossip

---

LISTEN. Race had nothing to do with Brighton sacking Chris Hughton, insists Darren Moore Former West Brom boss insists there are 'ample opportunities' for BAME managers in the English game
NewsNow: Darren Moore news | Breaking News & Search 24/7

---

Championship New Year's Day results: Promotion chasing Leeds and West Brom lose on the road, as Millwall and H Related deals Chelsea may accept transfer ban this summer in bid for FIFA to reduce it to just one window
Championship promotion run-in: All the Premier League

---

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers believes Pep Guardiola thrives on the pressure of the title race. Manchester City chief Guardiola is chasing back-to-back Premier League crowns, with their battle
Premier League is the 'toughest' competition, says Guardiola

---

Transfer news and football gossip: Bayern Munich want Liverpool boss Klopp, Arsenal star Aubameyang linked with China switch, Chelsea hamper Hazard move Stunning Salah claim from Spain; Man
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd done deal, Griezmann confirmed

---