Former Ipswich Town striker Michael Chopra continues to antagonise Blues fans.

The 29-year-old has taken to social networking website Twitter to suggest that it is ‘only a matter of time’ before Mick McCarthy – the man who slapped him on the transfer list and let him join Blackpool on a free transfer this summer – becomes the Republic of Ireland manager again.

A number of Town supporters angrily responded to the message, which was sent to his former Town team mate Aaron Cresswell but available to view by any member of the public, with the troubled front man replying ‘would rather be top than 16th’.

It was reference to the Tangerines’ impressive start to the campaign, though he himself has made just one league start so far and is yet to score for his new club. Chopra’s two years at Portman Road will sadly be remembered for his off-field problems – including time in a Sporting Chance Clinic for a severe gambling addiction, a charge over horse race fixing, driving disqualification and turning up late to training after a night out in Newcastle.

He is no stranger to Twitter controversy either, the former Newcastle, Sunderland and Cardiff striker – who is understood to have earned £18,000-a-week at Ipswich – having posted a picture of a bag stuffed with hundreds of thousands of pounds in cash along with the message ‘Keep tweeting me about being in debt haha love it #cash #skint #lol #lendmeafiver’.

His latest online offering is reference to the fact that McCarthy continues to be linked with a return to the country he played 57 times for and managed for seven years, the highlight being a run to the last 16 of the World Cup in 2002.

Under pressure Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni left his position by ‘mutual consent’ today after last night’s defeat to Austria made it impossible to qualify for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

McCarthy has previously refused to discuss speculation that his Ipswich Town contract includes a clause which would allow him to leave if the Irish FA came calling again. In an interview last December he said: “I love the club management, the day-to-day involvement with players and everything that goes with it but yes I do see myself going back (into international management) if I get the opportunity.

“That is not necessarily to the Republic of Ireland – other international jobs would appeal to me. I think it is a great challenge, great working at that level and I really enjoyed it when I did, but for now I love being at Ipswich.”