Mick McCarthy has been chatting to Steve Coogan about role in Saipan movie

"I was looking for George Clooney or Brad Pitt"

Mick McCarthy has revealed that he has been in contact with Steve Coogan over the actor's role as McCarthy in an upcoming film about the 2002 Saipan incident.

Cork man Éanna Hardwicke - who has starred in the likes of Lakelands, Normal People, and The Sixth Commandment - will be playing Roy Keane.

The movie, titled 'Saipan', is based on the events leading up to Ireland's participation in the 2002 World Cup, which saw the infamous falling out between captain Keane and manager McCarthy, resulting in Keane's departure from the squad.

McCarthy excited to be portrayed by Coogan

Speaking on the Under the Cosh podcast, McCarthy spoke of his communication with Coogan - who is known for his role as Alan Patridge, and his parts in films such as Night at the Museum and Philomena.

McCarthy joked: "I was a bit disappointed (it was Coogan), I was looking for George Clooney or Brad Pitt...Denzel Washington he should play me.

"I spoke to him, to be fair to Steve, he wants to portray how it was for me and not just the script, which fair dues to him. I suppose they've given Roy the same opportunity to speak to his actor, who I've seen a few things by the way and he's brilliant.

"I thought Steve Coogan's going to play me, I've got no axe to grind with him, he'll have a script but he may as well hear how it was for me.

McCarthy also light-heartedly referenced the Netflix show Baby Reindeer, which was based on comedian Richard Gadd's experiences with Fiona Harvey. Harvey then ended up suing Netflix.

McCarthy added: "It could be a Baby Reindeer this one, I could be suing Netflix, it's not on Netflix is it? Or any other TV companies that might be involved.

"A big £20 million lawsuit, (although) I doubt it very much."

Saipan is Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa. It began filming in the autumn and is due to hit screens next summer.