Ex-Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has thrown his hat into the ring for the newly-vacant Aston Villa job – and poured scorn on the suggestion that Premier League legend Thierry Henry should be favourite to get it.

McCarthy was working as a pundit on Virgin’s coverage of the Champions’ League last night, when he was asked whether he’d be interested in the job, following news that cabbage-target Steve Bruce had been sacked.

He said: “Absolutely I would, it’s a fabulous club, of course I would. But he’s only just gone today and I’ve been sat doing this, so I haven’t had my CV put in anyway. But I would do, it’s a great club.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Premier League legend Thierry Henry is the favourite for the vacant Aston Villa job. Picture: PA SPORTPremier League legend Thierry Henry is the favourite for the vacant Aston Villa job. Picture: PA SPORT

And when it was put to him that Henry, widely seen as the finest player in Premier League history, was the current betting favourite to take over at Villa Park, the straight-talking Yorkshireman was at his blunt best.

“He shouldn’t be the favourite in front of me, let me tell you that,” McCarthy scoffed. “No way. I’m sorry, but I’m blowing me own trumpet there.”