McCarthy targeted by Italian scouts

JAMES McCARTHY is attracting attention from Serie A club Palermo and Serie B outfit Brescia.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international was scouted by representatives from the Italian clubs in Hamilton Academical’s 1-0 defeat by Rangers in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.

However, it seems unlikely the 18-year-old , who is contracted to the Accies until 2011 and turned down the chance to join Liverpool in 2007, will become the first Irish player to try his luck in Italy since Robbie Keane nine years ago. The midfielder insisted over the weekend that his long-term future lies in either Scotland or England.