Mick McCarthy has thrown his full backing behind Stephen Kenny following Ireland's managerial switch.
The succession plan put in place by the FAI two years ago was hastened due to the Covid-19 pandemic which caused the postponement of the Euro 2020 playoffs and tournament itself.
McCarthy was impressed by the former League of Ireland gaffer's stint with the Ireland Under-21s, as well as his hugely successful spell with Dundalk, and believes he is ready for the step up to the senior job.
He told Sky Sports: "His record certainly at Dundalk was incredible, winning the league I don't know how many times on the bounce.
"What he's achieved with the U-21s since he's taken over has been remarkable. They play some really good football, he's got some really talented players.
"I think he's in a really good position with the national team job because he's been coaching the U-21s for the last 20 months."
Quizzed on whether he was surprised by Kenny's early appointment, McCarthy explained: "No, I'm not.
"Stephen Kenny was contracted to start on August 1 and I said on December 1, 2018 when I took the job I was asked by all the journalists, if we qualified and did really well would you want to stay on?
"I said 'No I'd be leaving on July 31, 2020'. So that's what's happened and I'm not surprised.
"Good luck to Stephen. He's got the job now and let's hope they qualify."
