McCarthy confirms departure deadline as Delap pulls out

Having confirmed that he will not stay as the Republic of Ireland's manager beyond the Euro 2004 finals, Mick McCarthy has suffered another blow to his prospects of qualifying for them. Southampton's Rory Delap has become the third Premiership player to withdraw from the Irish squad for tomorrow's must-win game against Switzerland in Dublin, after Andy O'Brien of Newcastle and Birmingham's Jeff Kenna. Delap has a calf injury.

With Stephen Carr, Steve Finnan and Jason McAteer also missing, Ireland are particularly short of right-sided players. Gary Kelly is expected to play at right-back, with Lee Carsley or Celtic's Colin Healy in front of him.

Three players did not train yesterday morning. The Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has an ankle knock, Sunderland's Phil Babb has a sore throat and Matt Holland, of Ipswich, has a few bumps and bruises. McCarthy expects all three to be fit and available for tomorrow night.

After watching Switzerland draw 1-1 in Albania on Saturday to head Group 10, McCarthy said: "They are a good side and they work hard for each other. But the Swiss will regard this as two points dropped rather than one gained and it was a good result for Ireland. I am confident we can beat them."

The Irish need to do that after losing their opening match 4-2 in Russia. That result led to fierce criticism of McCarthy, who yesterday confirmed his long-stated intentions to return to club management once this tournament is over.

It could even be sooner, if a tempting enough vacancy with a Premiership club occurs. McCarthy, who had been considered the favourite for the vacant managerial position at Sunderland, told the Independent more than a year ago: "I miss the daily involvement with the players. I miss Saturday afternoons and the elation – even the frustration and devastation – of club management.

"I'd like to qualify for the European Championship and then I will have done eight years in the job and I think that's more than enough. I will go away from it, whatever happens. Even if we qualify I will go and look for a job."

The Switzerland coach, Koebi Kuhn, while disappointed after dropping points against Albania, wanted to focus on Ireland. "You're still in the past, I'm already into Wednesday's game," he said, dismissing a raft of questions from Swiss journalists about Saturday's draw.