THE Republic of Ireland may play in Africa for only the second time, as part of their World Cup preparations, in the New Year.

It was disclosed yesterday that favourable consideration is being given to an invitation to play in Morocco on February 12th, at the start of the build up to difficult assignments in Macedonia and Romania in April.

Coincidentally, a second invitation to travel to Africa was also on the table at FAI headquarters this week following a request from the Egyptian Federation to send a team to Cairo.

The dates proposed by the Egyptians, one in January, the other on St Patrick's Day, were not conducive to the chances of assembling a strong squad, however, and as such, were unacceptable.

February 12th, by contrast is a recognised international date with England playing Italy at Wembley and Mick McCarthy believes that the majority of his established players will be available if required to travel.

The other pertinent consideration in the request is that Morocco are owed a game by the Irish after breaking new ground by visiting Dublin in September, 1990.

Ireland won that game after David Kelly scored the decisive goal shortly before the end.

Ironically, Mick McCarthy played in that team which included several members of the current side, among them, Denis Irwin, Steve Staunton Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend and Niall Quinn.

Eight years earlier, Ireland had a played in Algiers during Eoin Hand's term as manager and suffered an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at the hands of an unproven Algerian team.

Since then, of course, the standard of African football has improved, a fact acknowledged by FIFA in their decision to award the continent an increased representation in the World Cup finals.

Egypt illustrated the point by frustrating Jack Charlton's team in Palermo during Italia 90 and McCarthy will be conscious of the pitfalls to be negotiated in Morocco if the game goes ahead.

Meanwhile, Cork City announced yesterday that they have signed Mark Summerbell on loan from Middlesbrough. Summberbell (22), is scheduled to make his debut against Derry City at the Brandywell tomorrow.