James McCarthy admits he was devastated to hear the news of Giovanni Trapattoni's departure as Republic of Ireland manager.
The 74-year old Italian has had his five-year tenure as boss of the Irish side ended after losses to Sweden and Austria left them short of hope to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
Everton midfielder McCarthy was a regular under Trapattoni and was disappointed to learn of his departure.
"I'm gutted to be honest. He was a good manager and I enjoyed working under him. It is a blow to all the players. It has just happened - I didn't expect it to happen," he said.
"If you look at his record, how well he has done for Ireland, he has got us to the Euros and he fell short, just, of France in a (World Cup 2010) qualifier.
"We were in contention to qualify for the (2014) World Cup but unfortunately we slipped up on Friday and last night we conceded a late, late goal.
"It is disappointing, the players enjoyed working under him."