Mick McCarthy has urged Republic of Ireland fans to get behind the team tomorrow night at the Aviva Stadium against Georgia, amid reports that supporters are planning to protest against John Delaney.
Reports this morning suggested that Ireland fans will use the Euro 2020 qualifier as a means of protesting against Delaney's move from the position of CEO to the newly-created post of Executive Vice-President.
"That's going to be a hell of a title for his door, isn't it?" said McCarthy on Delaney's new role.
"I've been at games, at Charlton, when people have done it. It's not going to help us play any better, that's for sure," the Ireland manager said regarding mooted supporter protests tomorrow night.
"They want us to win by giving us the best chance and that is by getting behind us, and not having any outside influences affecting that.
"I can't do anything about it - maybe I'll bring a tennis racket with me," said McCarthy, about rumours that tennis balls will be thrown onto the pitch.
McCarthy was clear that he respects supporters' rights to protest, but urged them to do so in a way that does not interfere with the team's performance.
"Our fans are the best fans - and I am not just saying that because I am just back through the door and in the job. They are fabulous.
"I would just like them to come and support the team and if they have to demonstrate about anything, do it somewhere else and another time because we don't want it to affect the performance," said McCarthy, before confirming that preparations had gone to plan.
McCarthy also wished to quell any rumour-mongering beforehand, and focus on preparations for the match itself - an already crucial encounter in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
"Unless it is guaranteed that there is going to be [a protest], I am not going to talk about it anymore. We are talking about hypotheticals, aren't we?"
"I don't get involved with things I can't affect, and this is one of them. The only thing that I can affect is our preparation for the game, and we will try to pin everything down to make sure that we get a good performance and if we do, I think that will people will have think a lot happier about us.
"That's all I want. I have been here when we have had a great feeling in '88, '90, '94 and 2002 when the mood is great and the fans are all behind us. That is my job - to get that back - and that is all that I can influence."
Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
