MICK PUT ME ON RIGHT TRAC'

Nash: I wouldn't be here without him giving me Ipswich chance

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

CORK CITY boss Ger Nash has credited former Ireland manager Mick Mccarthy for helping him on his journey to becoming an FAI Cup final manager.

Nash graduated through the coaching ranks at Ipswich Town under McCarthy - and he was namechecked by the ex-Tractor Boys boss after the Leesiders' shock semifinal win over St Patrick's Athletic.

The Kildareman was handed the reins at Turner's Cross in May, but could not arrest the club's slide back into the First Division.

Their Cup run did provide some relief, however, and on Sunday they can secure Europa League football next season by beating Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium.

McCarthy, speaking recently on a podcast with Tony Pulis and Harry Redknapp, said: "I've got one of my ... he was a coach at Ipswich, Ger Nash. He's down at Cork. They're bottom of the league, but he's just won and got them into the final of the cup in Ireland.