Ireland to wait on McCarthy fate

WIGAN Athletic midfielder James McCarthy is set to play no part in the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming fixtures against Macedonia and Uruguay after his manager Roberto Martinez said that the player would not be making a decision on his senior international future until the end of the season.

After making only one friendly international appearance for the Republic of Ireland, McCarthy remains eligible to declare for the Scottish national team.

Giovanni Trapattoni indicated earlier this week that McCarthy would be included in his next squad for the games in March, but Martinez told Today FM after the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield that the player needs time.