FORMER REPUBLIC OF Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is adamant that both James McCarthy and Aiden McGeady possess the resolve to withstand the “slaughtering” they’ll endure from Scottish fans on Friday.
A particularly hostile reception for the Glaswegian pair has been flagged since the draw for the European Championship qualifiers was made in February. Still, the larger attendance at Parkhead, featuring an official 95% portion of home fans, makes that prospect all the more real.
Having been the target of plenty of abuse from the stands during his playing and managerial career, the Ipswich Town boss has advised to duo to relish the adverse attention.
“Of course, Scotland fans are entitled (to boo),” said McCarthy, speaking at an event in Glasgow on Tuesday promoting special offers for the match by bookmakers 666.com
“They (McCarthy and McGeady) will get slaughtered because they’re both very good players.
“I can’t remember the England fans booing me – they didn’t think I was much good.
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“I don’t think they thought I would have been playing at the heart of the England defence when we beat them.
“No one was thinking, ‘I wish Mick McCarthy was playing for England – they were probably thinking ‘thank God he isn’t!’”
“But I tell you what – it don’t half make it sweet when you win like we did against England at Euro 1988.
“I can’t ever remember going to an away ground and being made feel welcome and actually, I never wanted that.
The only time I got cheered by opposition fans was at Dundee United – and that was after my mistake gave them a goal.
“I always wanted to feel that resistance towards me, that dislike for you, because it inspires you.
“We were in Seville one year with Ireland and you could get hit by an orange wherever you stood on the pitch. There was all sorts going on.
“Now I am not advocating that on Friday, but what I am saying is that the Scottish fans want Scotland to win. Why on earth would they make it comfortable for any Irish player.
“I can just imagine all the Scottish fans thinking ‘Mick says don’t boo them, we’ll be nice, we’ll leave them alone.’ Do me a favour!”
Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
Aside from McGeady and McCarthy, Friday’s duel represents Parkhead debuts for most of Ireland’s players.
Graeme Souness brought his Rangers team into that hostile setting on several occasions during his managerial stint of the club and appreciates the prevailing conditions for visiting teams.
“Parkhead for an away team – and I can vouch for this – is not as easy place to go for any side,” explained Souness.
“With the way the stands are set, the venue generates a great atmosphere. I can only talk from going there with Rangers.
“It can be an intimidating place but Martin and McGeady will be telling the players about what to expect.”
Mick McCarthy thinks Irish pair will be 'slaughtered' - because they're good players
FORMER REPUBLIC OF Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is adamant that both James McCarthy and Aiden McGeady possess the resolve to withstand the “slaughtering” they’ll endure from Scottish fans on Friday.
A particularly hostile reception for the Glaswegian pair has been flagged since the draw for the European Championship qualifiers was made in February. Still, the larger attendance at Parkhead, featuring an official 95% portion of home fans, makes that prospect all the more real.
Having been the target of plenty of abuse from the stands during his playing and managerial career, the Ipswich Town boss has advised to duo to relish the adverse attention.
“Of course, Scotland fans are entitled (to boo),” said McCarthy, speaking at an event in Glasgow on Tuesday promoting special offers for the match by bookmakers 666.com
“They (McCarthy and McGeady) will get slaughtered because they’re both very good players.
“I can’t remember the England fans booing me – they didn’t think I was much good.
“I don’t think they thought I would have been playing at the heart of the England defence when we beat them.
“No one was thinking, ‘I wish Mick McCarthy was playing for England – they were probably thinking ‘thank God he isn’t!’”
“But I tell you what – it don’t half make it sweet when you win like we did against England at Euro 1988.
“I can’t ever remember going to an away ground and being made feel welcome and actually, I never wanted that.
“I always wanted to feel that resistance towards me, that dislike for you, because it inspires you.
“We were in Seville one year with Ireland and you could get hit by an orange wherever you stood on the pitch. There was all sorts going on.
“Now I am not advocating that on Friday, but what I am saying is that the Scottish fans want Scotland to win. Why on earth would they make it comfortable for any Irish player.
“I can just imagine all the Scottish fans thinking ‘Mick says don’t boo them, we’ll be nice, we’ll leave them alone.’ Do me a favour!”
Aside from McGeady and McCarthy, Friday’s duel represents Parkhead debuts for most of Ireland’s players.
Graeme Souness brought his Rangers team into that hostile setting on several occasions during his managerial stint of the club and appreciates the prevailing conditions for visiting teams.
“Parkhead for an away team – and I can vouch for this – is not as easy place to go for any side,” explained Souness.
“With the way the stands are set, the venue generates a great atmosphere. I can only talk from going there with Rangers.
“It can be an intimidating place but Martin and McGeady will be telling the players about what to expect.”
By John Fallon (free of charge from 666bet.com)
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