Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has given the strongest hint yet that he is prepared to start James McCarthy in the Euro 2012 qualifying clash with Macedonia on Saturday week.
McCarthy was named in a 29-man Ireland squad yesterday after meeting Trapattoni and assistant Marco Tardelli last week in an effort to resolve any issues over McCarthy’s non-appearance at the Carling Nations Cup clash with Wales last month and to finally resolve McCarthy’s international future.
Glasgow-born McCarthy was the subject of overtures from Scotland manager Craig Levein earlier this year after the Wigan midfielder’s absence from the Wales game, but the matter now seems to be resolved and Trapattoni can make absolutely certain of McCarthy’s international future if he hands him a cap in a competitive fixture.
Judging by his comments yesterday, Trapattoni may even be tempted to hand McCarthy a starting role against Macedonia and has challenged him to prove himself worthy of a starting berth by impressing in training ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier.
“Maybe he can come in and convince me he is better than others,” said Trapattoni.
“Why not? I remember, it was the same with Sean St Ledger. He came in and immediately in training he showed us he was ready.”
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