James McCarthy had admitted that his first start for Ireland was a frustrating experience, but is hoping to secure a regular starting berth in the future.
The 20-year old started in an attacking midfield role against Uruguay on Tuesday night and although he showed glimpses of his potential, he struggled to make his mark on the game and was withdrawn for Keith Treacy midway through the first half.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni absolved McCarthy of any blame for a somewhat underwhelming performance, saying that they were attempting to find a position wto suit the talented Wigan midfielder.
“It wasn’t his fault, we are just trying to find his position,” said Trapattoni.
“I know exactly how difficult these things are and how difficult it was for him.
“I am sorry for him because he was a little bit down, but he will have other opportunities in the future.”
McCarthy revealed that the game did not entirely go to plan for him, but that he was just delighted to play for his country and is looking forward to doing so on a more regular basis.
“It was great to get a run-out,” he said.
“It’s a dream come true to play for your country and get some game-time under your belt. It was a bit frustrating not getting on the ball as much as I would have liked to, but these things happen.
“They had two sitting midfield players and it was really tight in there trying to get on the ball. But I will take positives from it. It’s my first proper start and I need to just try to kick on from it.
“It’s a team game and it’s all about working hard for the team and trying to get on the ball. It didn’t happen, but hopefully I can into the squad next time and try to get some game-time under my belt again.”
Despite Trapattoni’s suggestion that the role he played on Tuesday night did not suit McCarthy, the man himself revealed he would be happy to play anywhere to be given a starting role and that his removal in the second half was due to a tight hamstring that he had been feeling in training prior to the game.
“I’ll take anywhere, to be honest, to just get into the starting 11. I am happy to just play,” he said.
“It’s just about getting my head down now at club level and hopefully I can get into the Ireland squad for the summer.”
Regarding his substitution, he added: “I just felt my hamstring tighten and they just took me off as a precaution.
“I felt it the other day in training and they were just looking after me.”
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