Former Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy is set to be portrayed in a feature film next summer - with Steve Coogan cast in the role.

Saipan, a new movie about the events leading up to Ireland’s incendiary 2002 World Cup campaign, will go into production this summer.

The Saipan incident was a very public spat in May 2002 between the then Republic of Ireland national football team captain Roy Keane and manager McCarthy when the team was preparing in Saipan, Japan for its 2002 FIFA World Cup. It resulted in Keane being sent home from the squad. The incident divided public opinion in Ireland and rumbles on to this day.

Of course, Keane also has links to Town, having managed the club from 2009 to 2011. He'll be played by BAFTA-nominated Cork native Éanna Hardwicke.

McCarthy's stint at Portman Road was much longer, staying from 2012 to 2018. Coogan - who will play him - is best known for his role as Norfolk-born comedy character Alan Partridge.

Award Winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Good Vibrations, Ordinary Love) are set to direct from an original script by Paul Fraser (Heartlands, A Room For Romeo Brass).

Wildcard and Vertigo Releasing have acquired UK and Ireland rights on the film, and are scheduling a theatrical release for Summer 2025