Mick McCarthy will reportedly be offered Ireland job with Robbie Keane as his assistant

It looks like it will be McCarthy

Mick McCarthy is set to be offered the Republic of Ireland manager's job, with Robbie Keane as his assistant, according to reports published on Thursday. According to separate reports in The Times and The Irish Sun, the pair are on course to be the new management team. RTE claim he will fly into Dublin at the weekend to begin negotiations. It's been claimed that the FAI want to make a "swift appointment" - ideally before the draw for the Euro 2020 qualifiers on December 2 in Dublin - and that McCarthy is at the top of their shortlist of candidates. Dundalk FC manager Stephen Kenny is also said to be in contention, but all signs point towards McCarthy getting the job. The former Ireland captain has been out of work since leaving Ipswich Town in April. McCarthy was Ireland manager between 1996 and 2002 when he had players such as Roy Keane, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Steve Staunton, Shay Given and Ian Harte at his disposal. He helped the team qualify for the 2002 World Cup, at which his infamous fallout with Roy Keane took place. In club management, McCarthy helped Sunderland and Wolves earn promotion to the Premier League. The Times' report claims that Robbie Keane will be part of the next management team, and is likely to be McCarthy's assistant. The pair enjoyed a good relationship when McCarthy was previously Ireland manager. Former Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley is reportedly in the frame to become Ireland's new U21 manager. Carsley earned 40 caps for Ireland is currently working as a coach with England U21s.