1 of 15
Ireland eliminate Holland in a tough group and reach the 2002 World Cup finals by beating Iran in a play-off

2 of 15
After spells at Barnsley and Man City, McCarthy embarks on a managerial career as player-manager of Millwall in 1991

3 of 15
Mick McCarthy begins the unenviable task of replacing Jack Charlton as Republic of Ireland manager in 1996

4 of 15
McCarthy tackles a new challenge as he takes over the helm as Republic of Ireland manager from Jack Charlton in 1996

5 of 15
Two straight European Championship defeats and the strain of the Roy Keane saga spell the end for McCarthy

6 of 15
McCarthy's Ireland miss out on World Cup 98 and Euro 2000 after play-off defeats by Belgium and Turkey

7 of 15
Ireland are unlucky in the second round against Spain and are knocked out of the World Cup on penalties

8 of 15
Ireland eliminate Holland in a tough group and reach the 2002 World Cup finals by beating Iran in a play-off

9 of 15
After a draw against Cameroon, McCarthy's men shine against Germany and snatch a late draw

10 of 15
McCarthy faces his test in Saipan as Roy Keane walks out on the eve of the World Cup after a row with the manager

11 of 15
There is high drama in Saipan as Roy Keane walks out on the eve of the World Cup after a row with McCarthy

12 of 15
After a draw against Cameroon, McCarthy's men shine against Germany and snatch a late draw

13 of 15
McCarthy's Ireland miss out on World Cup 98 and Euro 2000 after play-off defeats by Belgium and Turkey

14 of 15
Ireland are unlucky in the second round against Spain and are knocked out of the World Cup on penalties

15 of 15
Two straight Euro 2006 defeats and the strain of the Roy Keane saga spell the end for McCarthy as Republic manager