Robbie Keane's Republic of Ireland role up-in-the-air as Middlesbrough launch new clothing range with proceeds going to NHS

McCarthy returned for a second spell in charge of Ireland in December 2018, with the aim of managing them at Euro 2020 and then allowing Under-21 boss Stephen Kenny to take over.

But the Covid-19 pandemic has seen the play-offs for that tournament postponed to an unconfirmed date and the event itself pushed back to 2021.

As a result, McCarthy has now left his post ahead of the planned date of July 31 with Kenny given the chance to start work now.

He has already made his mark, bringing in former internationals Keith Andrews and Damien Duff to work on his coaching staff alongside Alan Kelly, with new U21 boss Jim Crawford assisted by former Sunderland captain John O'Shea.

Middlesbrough coach Keane was appointed as McCarthy's assistant boss in November 2018 and still has two years left to run on his contract, with talks ongoing over his future with Ireland.

Gary Owens, the FAI's interim chief executive, told RTE: "We are in discussions with Robbie and his agent about what role he might play. I wouldn't rule him out.

"Robbie has been one of our best players and he would have a lot to offer.

“We are very open to sitting down with Robbie and his agent about what role he may or may not play in the association. We are very open-minded about that.”

McCarthy, meanwhile, has taken his earlier-than-planned departure as Republic of Ireland manager in his stride.

"I took the job in December 18 and I remember all the questions then, 'what if it goes longer?' but I said 'July 31, 2020' and that's when I should be leaving, but I have no games now and the sensible thing is to let Stephen take over and plan," McCarthy told talkSPORT.

"He has time to talk to the players and plan, rather than me stay on a dead man walking which is ridiculous.

"My job ends July 31, I accepted that at the very start. When this situation arose, this Covid-19, I am only doing what my contract says and stepping down.

"Yes I am bitterly disappointed I don't get the chance to take us to the Euros but I am also so pragmatic about it."

All football has been suspended for the foreseeable as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Boro club shop have released details of a new range of hoodies and T-shirts with all proceeds going to the NHS to support health care workers.

The new range, on the club website, bears the Boro badge and NHS logo, as well as the slogan 'Love Middlesbrough, Love The NHS.'

A club statement added: “All proceeds from the sales of these items will go directly to the NHS to support our health care workers in the fight against COVID-19.”