Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has admitted that James McCarthy endured a difficult night against Uruguay, but that he will have more opportunities to prove his worth in the future.
With Trapattoni fielding a new and experimental formation with only Shane Long up front, McCarthy was asked to fill an attacking midfield role and provide the main source of support for the Reading striker.
Although the 20-year old showed glimpses of his potential, including earning the penalty which led to Ireland’s second goal, he looked a little bit uncomfortable at times and was withdrawn midway through the second half.
In the aftermath of the game, Trapattoni admitted that McCarthy found it difficult to adapt to his new role, but that he will have the chance to show what he can do at international level in the future.
“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.”
Trapattoni added that having so little time to adapt to a new formation and having to play players that were unfamiliar with each other didn’t help Ireland’s cause as they fell to a 2-3 defeat to the South American side.
“It was difficult especially with a new defence,” he said.
“We lost two balls in midfield and we conceded two goals.
“We were unlucky with the first goal because the header bounced off the player and dropped to their man, but that’s football.”
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