McCarthy in the running for Sunderland job
Mick McCarthy has been named as a possible contender for Peter Reid's old job as Sunderland boss.
The rumours come as a shock as Ireland are in the middle of their European championship campaign and McCarthy has not commented officially on the rumour.
If McCarthy were to leave his post and take the Sunderland job it would leave the door open for Roy Keane to make a dramatic return for his country.
However, the Republic of Ireland manager has a contract with the Football Association of Ireland which runs until the end of 2004.
Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn, who moved into a player-coach role under Reid, is expected to take charge of the club, in a caretaker role..
