James McCarthy "gutted" by Giovanni Trapattoni exit

Everton midfielder James McCarthy has said that he is "gutted" to see Giovanni Trapattoni leave his position as manager of the Republic of Ireland.

The Italian's five-year tenure with the Green Army came to an end earlier today following the failure to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil, which was preceded by a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.

McCarthy, who was handed his first cap in a friendly against Brazil in 2010, said that the players always enjoyed working with the 74-year-old, who allowed him extra leave to complete a deadline-day move to Goodison Park.

"He stuck by me, gave me my chance and has been good for my career, so I'm disappointed to see him go," the 22-year-old told reporters. "I'm gutted, to be honest.

"It's just one of those things. The FAI have had a meeting today and decided it's the time for him to go. Like I say, it's disappointing because the players enjoyed working with him.

"When I spoke to him last week it said it was no bother to report on the Tuesday morning first thing. He said hopefully everything would work out [with the move to Everton] and thankfully it did. I'm grateful that he allowed that to happen."

McCarthy has 18 caps for Ireland.