Coach Kidney confident McCarthy will make mark

IRELAND coach Declan Kidney yesterday backed newcomer Mike McCarthy to make a big impact in his international test debut against Scotland tomorrow.

Connacht second/back rower McCarthy is the only new cap in the side but Kidney has no fears for him.

“He is a nightmare to train with pre-season because he is always out in front, he would be one of the top trainers. Look at Connacht’s line out stats, they have been excellent. That comes down to just more than a jumper.