Word is coming through that Mick McCarthy’s time is up as manager of the Republic of Ireland football team.

‘Off the Ball’ have reported that an announcement will be made over the weekend confirming that Stephen Kenny will take charge as of now as the new Irish manager.

McCarthy was due to step aside as his contract stated in June after Euro 2020 to allow Kenny take over the role. But with UEFA cancelling the multi-city tournament and following on that decision to cancel all internationals in June it left the FAI with a decision to make.

Obviously it was impossible for the FAI to have two managers in charge for two different qualifying campaigns and instead of asking Kenny to put back his start date they have decided to cut ties with McCarthy and Terry O’Connor.

Also with the FAI in real financial trouble and COVD19 not helping in that regard a decision between McCarthy and Kenny was always going to end up with the former Irish Centre Back making way. It was understood that McCarthy was told today of the FAI’s decision.