McCarthy's new deal

McCarthy's new deal takes him up to 2004

Mick McCarthy has signed a two-year extension to his contract as manager of the Republic of Ireland.

The new deal takes him up to the European Championships in 2004.

We want to have a good World Cup and not be coming home after the group stages

Mick McCarthy

Speculation had been rife regarding McCarthy's future following the Republic's qualification for this summer's World Cup Finals in Korea and Japan.

But McCarthy, who tentatively spoke of a return to club management, has agreed to stay on as Republic boss following recent talks with the Football Association of Ireland.

He said: "I am happy with the new deal. Hopefully now we can get on with the business of doing well in the World Cup.

"That is where the emphasis is. We are not happy or content at simply qualifying for the World Cup.

"Now we want to have a good tournament and not be coming home after the group stages."

A four-year contract would have seen McCarthy in charge for qualification for the 2006 World Cup.

Rapid resolution

But McCarthy feels longevity will only be achieved through success.

" If I don't get us to the European Championships, because standards have now been set, then I will not be around," he said.

Brendan Menton, chief executive of the FAI, is delighted a new contract was agreed so swiftly.

"On behalf of the Association we are delighted this has been resolved - and very quickly," said Menton.

"Mick wanted to stay and we wanted him to stay and in the end it took just two meetings between the FAI and Mick for the new contract to be concluded."