Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has admitted he is "flattered" that his name has been linked with the vacant Sunderland job but has stressed his future lies with the Irish national team.

McCarthy had been touted as one of the leading candidates for the Stadium of Light vacancy following the sacking of Peter Reid on Monday.

But the former Millwall manager has expressed his desire to take Ireland to the European Championships in 2004, ruling out a return to the domestic game.

McCarthy said: "I'm very sad for Peter. I was speaking to him just two weeks ago and he has always been very good on the release of Irish players. That's football and I am really sorry for him.

"I'm flattered that my name has been mentioned as one of those who might take over at The Stadium of Light. Maybe that's the price of success, being linked with a country that has moved from 54th to 13th in the Fifa world rankings and then a good World Cup last summer."

He added: "We have had just two competitive defeats in three years, my immediate objective is to get a victory over Switzerland in our next Group 10 European Championship qualifier in Dublin. I want to lead Ireland to the Euro 2004 finals."

David O'Leary remains a strong contender for the job after he threw his hat into the ring, as well as former Arsenal, Leeds and Tottenham boss George Graham, who is also keen to return to management.

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