McCarthy set to answer Ireland’s call

JAMES McCARTHY could be set for his competitive debut this month following the news that Giovanni Trapattoni met him to iron out any confusion concerning the Wigan Athletic midfielder’s future Republic of Ireland career.

The 20-year-old Glaswegian will be named in Trapattoni’s squad for the crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday week (and friendly with Uruguay three days later) when it’s announced at Abbotstown today.

Of more immediate relief to Trapattoni, however, is being able to include captain Robbie Keane, who made his return to action as a substitute for West Ham United in their FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Stoke City yesterday.