Former Republic of Ireland striker Jonathan Walters feels Mick McCarthy will be disappointed that he will not get a chance to finish the job he started.
The FAI and McCarthy agreed to part ways last weekend after it became clear that the Euro 2020 play-off match against Slovakia would not take place before McCarthy's contract was due to expire at the end of July.
That gave the association the opportunity to promote Stephen Kenny from the under-21 set-up while also assembling his backroom team.
As it stands, the play-off match could be played as late as next February or March and Walters said on Sky Sports that McCarthy has left Kenny in a good position.
"His aim was to qualify," said Walters. "Once you set targets and you're on a path to something and I think you like to see it through and I'm pretty sure Mick is no different.
"I'm pretty sure he's very disappointed in not being able to see it through but he's left Stephen Kenny a chance to qualify for the Euros."
There is a lot of sympathy for McCarthy who has given Kenny his full support.
Speaking on Off The Ball over the weekend, former Ireland manager Brian Kerr praised McCarthy for what he achieved and the FAI for not taking too long to make up their minds over what to do.
"I feel a bit sorry for Mick because he gave everything and there will be no criticism of him. He was put into an awkward position and he did the best he could," said Kerr.
"The performances weren't brilliant. There was a lot of graft and effort, but not great results. So, the FAI have made a very decisive decision rather than letting it linger on.
"The truth of it is, when are we going to see a game again anyway at any level?"
