The international future of James McCarthy should be completely resolved this weekend after Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni revealed that the Wigan midfielder will play against Macedonia.
McCarthy has been capped by Ireland before, but not in a competitive fixture and if he plays against Macedonia in the Euro 2012 qualifier this weekend, then he will be ineligible to play for another country at international level.
Speculation that McCarthy might turn his back on Ireland has eased lately after the 20-year old met with Giovanni Trapattoni in Manchester, while the player himself reaffirmed his commitment to the cause in recent days.
“I appreciate the interest from Scotland but I do not want to go back on my word,” said McCarthy
“I am, and will remain, a Republic of Ireland player. I hope to play against Macedonia next weekend and that will put any talk of Scotland to bed once and for all. There can be no going back after that.
“Trapattoni flew to England to see me. He wanted to look me in the eye and ask if I was happy and committed to Ireland.
“I told him I was happy and wanted to play for him. We were both satisfied at the end of it.”
At a press conference prior to Saturday’s game, Trapattoni announced that McCarthy will feature at some stage of Saturday’s game, although considering he has not featured in the qualifying campaign so far, it is likely that he will be summoned from the bench rather than starting the game.
The Irish squad gathered in Malahide on Monday night, with Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne arriving today having remained in England to have treatment on a shoulder problem.
Darron Gibson, who has been troubled with a toe injury, is due to arrive tomorrow, while Jonathan Walters, whose wife is due to give birth this week, is scheduled to arrive on Thursday.
Leon Best, who is currently in hot water over his topless appearance in a Newcastle nightclub over the weekend, is recovering from an ankle problem and was sent for a swim today while the rest of the squad trained at Gannon Park.
Damien Duff (Achilles) and Seamus Coleman (ankle) also sat out training, but are expected to be fit in time for Saturday’s clash at the Aviva Stadium.
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