Mick McCarthy’s future is the talk of the Ipswich Town dressing room

That’s according to midfielder Cole Skuse, who says he and his team-mates have been following growing speculation surrounding their manager and the vacant Republic of Ireland job with interest.

McCarthy is the bookmakers’ odds-on favourite for a return to his previous international role and continues to remain coy over his interest.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game at Bolton, Skuse – a summer signing from Bristol City – said: “Of course we’ve spoken about it, all the lads have spoken about it in the dressing room.

“There is no hiding away from the fact that it’s in the press and some big names from Ireland are all saying Mick should be their next manager.

“We are none the wiser than anyone else as to what is happening though. The manager is the person to ask about that.”

In the latest twist to the saga, which has now gone on for more than a month, Martin O’Neill saw his odds once again tumble yesterday afternoon. The out-of-work Northern Irishman was understood to have been hanging on for a club job, but is reportedly still very much in the running.

When asked yesterday if there was any change in the Ireland situation, McCarthy quipped: “No it’s still in the same place. It’s just across from Liverpool and Manchester. If you’re going to go and visit it then you can fly from Stansted or Southend on Aer Lingus or Ryanair.”

Skuse said: “Of course it’s a concern. I’ve not met a manager like him in football; he’s the best I’ve worked under. That’s not being disrespectful to any other manager, they’ve all got their own style, but he’s the best I’ve worked under.

“He was a big selling-point for me coming to this club. I know other players have said it and it’s true, we would all be gutted if he goes.

“You wouldn’t be a true, honest professional if you let things like this affect you on the field though. That can’t happen. You’d struggle every week if you let off-the-field things affect you on the pitch.”