Mick McCarthy has admitted his Republic of Ireland side avoided their ‘worst result in a long, long time’ as they scraped past Gibraltar in his first game back as manager on Saturday.
Jeff Hendrick’s first-half strike ensured the Republic started their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign in the best possible fashion, but it was a laboured display from the Irish on the Iberian Peninsula.
And McCarthy, who previously captained the nation during his playing days, says he was just happy to come away from a ‘horrible’ game with all three points.
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McCarthy’s second debut as Ireland manager was not a match for the neutrals
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: “It was great to be back, but the game was horrible.
“We were playing on a plastic pitch to start with.
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“I don’t like them whatsoever, and I’m sure that’s the same with my players.
“We’re then stuck between a rock and a runway, not a rock and a hard place.
“The conditions were just awful, the wind was all over the place.
“These type of games are just not enjoyable.
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Ireland’s match winner Jeff Hendrick celebrates with the travelling fans at the final whistle after the win against Gibraltar
“A win is a win at the end of the day.
“In all honesty, we could’ve had our worst result in a long, long time, so it was very much job done from our point of view.”
McCarthy likened his side’s task in Spain to that of a non-league outfit eyeing a giant killing against one of England’s big sides in the Cup.
He added: “You ask any Premier League side who goes to a non-league side in the FA Cup if they really, hand on heart, enjoy it?
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“It’s an even worse feeling when they get knocked out – but luckily we got the job done.
“They [Gibraltar] contributed to the game, they’re an athletic side who battled hard for each other.
“I’d have taken 1-0 before going on the plane to Gibraltar though all day long.”
Next up for McCarthy and co. is the visit of Georgia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night, with a bumper crowd expected for the 60-year-old’s homecoming in Dublin.
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McCarthy agreed to become Ireland manager until after Euro 2020, when he will be replaced by Stephen Kenny
“It’s going to be a big crowd, so we’re hoping to get another three points on the board,” he said.
“I’m loving being back in the manager’s hot seat, working with lads on the coaching field and managing them.
“It is of course extra special to be back with the FAI.”
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