MICK McCarthy makes no secret of the fact that he yearns to be a top level manager again.

Having been controversially sacked by Wolves when they still had a chance of staying in the top-flight, the experienced Yorkshireman – with two Championship titles and a successful World Cup campaign with Ireland on his CV – has once again seen his stock dramatically rise.

Inheriting a confidence-rocked Blues side that propped up the rest after 13 games, the straight-talking, players’ favourite has put the club on the verge of safety following a return of 49 points from a potential 90 – a run which would put them fourth in the form table over that period.

Last week, the Blues boss said that both he and Hull City counterpart Steve Bruce ‘should be’ Premier League managers.

And when asked whether there may be some suitors for his services in the summer, he said: “Why not? I’m ambitious to be at the top of the game.

“I’d love to be here and do it and continue enjoying what I’m doing now. That’s my ambition at the moment.

“Whether you’re a player, manager – I don’t care what job you’re doing – you shouldn’t want to settle for what you’ve got. If you did then there’s something wrong with you.

“Enjoy what you’ve got, but always try and get better.”

With their World Cup qualification campaign currently in the balance, there would be inevitable speculation linking McCarthy with a return to the Ireland job should Giovanni Trappattoni move on in the coming months.

The Blues boss – whose side travel to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow looking to mathematically secure their second tier status – has previously said that he was at Ipswich for the ‘long haul’ though and insists he is settled in Suffolk.

He said: “Do you know what? I’m kind of happy in my life. I am. I’m not walking around with a coat hanger in my gob, I’m a happy person who’s secure with his lot and his life. I enjoy the job and I hope that’s reflected in how I go about my job as well. I haven’t got any rabid insecurities.”

– See today’s Ipswich Star and tomorrow’s EADT for full Sheffield Wednesday v Ipswich Town preview.