Mick McCarthy vowed this morning to see out his two year contract as Irish manager in spite of the criticism he has received over his expulsion of Roy Keane from Ireland's World Cup squad.
Speculation by many fans and journalists had suggested that McCarthy would resign after the World Cup campaign, but the manger said he never even entertained that notion.
"I have never thought of quitting, not for one minute," he said. "That is not a thought that is entering my head and anyone who is suggesting it did is wide of the mark. I don't see why I should think of walking away. I have a job to do here, I have a two year contract and I intend to see it through."
McCarthy, however, admitted that the last week has been "the worst of my life", but insisted, like Keane, that his conscience is clear."
"It has been the worst week of my life, I was not prepared for this and I was not trained in how to handle it," he said. "It was not of my making and once all the spin and all the PR got involved, it became more than an issue between two men. I handled it as best I could and I am sure I can learn from it."
"I cannot affect the way people think about me now. I cannot change. What I have always done for Ireland, for my country, is play as best I can and manage as best I can. I think I have done a damn good job."
"Something has come along this week to throw us off track but we will come back all the stronger."
"Personally I will not walk away with my head held low or with any shame. A lot of people are spinning stuff, doing things in the background, people are trying to discredit me."
"If people think ill of me I am sorry, if people supported me, then thank you. I feel sorry for what went on but in no way have I done anything to be ashamed of."
It was also revealed the FAI had only applied to world governing body FIFA today to call-up Celtic midfielder Colin Healy as a replacement for Keane.
The request is unlikely to receive a positive response given that a player either has to be injured at least 24 hours before the first match or suffer a death in the family to be replaced.