Eagles’ McCarthy not getting Irish hopes up

PADDY McCARTHY may be in the thoughts of Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni – but the Crystal Palace defender is refusing to dream about representing his country at the World Cup finals in South Africa next year.

The 26-year-old Dubliner was handed a late call-up by Ireland at the start of this month and was an unused substitute in the 1-0 friendly with South Africa at Thomond Park.

Even being away with his country was a sweet moment for McCarthy.