SOCCER NEWS ROUND-UP: Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has said Bryan Robson is well equipped to become his successor.

McCarthy, who resigned last month after the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign defeats against Russia and Switzerland, believes Robson has the track record to succeed at international level.

He told Sky Sports News: "Robbo did a great job up at Middlesbrough. I know they had a turbulent time but I think he was a success.

"He always had his team motivated to have a go at it, he's a legend as a player and I think in terms of management he's got a good record, so you never know."

McCarthy feels he has left a team capable of turning around their poor start to the qualifying competition and winning a place in Portugal in Euro 2004.

"Somebody's got a difficult task. I still think it can be done if the players are motivated. If they can win their next two games they can qualify, probably via the play-offs."

• Birmingham are reported to be close to recruiting Christope Dugarry from Bordeaux.

According to reports, Dugarry's lawyer has held talks with Birmingham about a possible move once the transfer window reopens in January.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce wants an extra striker and Dugarry could be available either on loan until the end of the season or on a permanent basis for £2 million.

Dugarry, part of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 squads, is currently captain of Bordeaux.

• Leeds boss Terry Venables has admitted going through the pain barrier in a bid to getting the club back to winning ways.

Venables disagreed with the claim made by deputy plc chairman Allan Leighton that there is a lack of confidence throughout the club.

However, he added: "Where I would agree with Allan is that there has been a lot of difficulties at the club and circumstances weren't easy when I came here. We've had a rough ride, but sometimes you have to hurt before you can find out what's necessary."