Looks like Forest are going to go for an Irishman, but it’s not Roy

With Nottingham Forest confirming they have held talks with Mick McCarthy, it looks like it won’t be long until the former Ireland boss is back in the game.

Once Steve Cotterill was given the boot by Nottingham Forest last week, a couple of Irish names jumped to the top of the betting, especially once Harry Redknapp decided he didn’t fancy heading into the Championship again.

Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane, two old friends/enemies/friends again, were the two names being touted and it looks like Big Mick has won this one.

This morning the new owners of the two-time European champions, the Kuwaiti-based Al-Hasawi family, confirmed that they had spoken to Mick and it sounds like it won’t be long until the straight-talking former Wolves boss is back barking instructions from the touchline.

“Mick is one of the people we are talking to, but there are others. If he meets our requirements, we would be honoured to work with Mick," said Abdulaziz Al-Hasawi.

"It is very important for the manager to have good knowledge of this league and the teams involved in it.

"They must also have an understanding when it comes to working with a club and developing it.”

McCarthy has gotten two clubs out of the second tier and into the Premier League – Sunderland in 2005 and Wolves in 2009 – so the credentials are there. Of course McCarthy’s record in the top flight is not so good but for now Forest’s new owners just want to get back up there.

"We have interviewed some people on the phone but we're starting to see people face to face and you get a much better impression when you see them face to face,” continued Al-Hasawi. “They are more comfortable and can speak more openly."

We imagine Mick gives a great interview so we bet the job is in the bag. Best of luck Mick.