Martinez casts doubt on McCarthy’s commitment to Ireland

THE problems continue to mount for Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of Ireland’s European Championship qualifier against Macedonia tomorrow week.

For no sooner was there confirmation from Old Trafford that John O’Shea is definitely out with a hamstring injury which could sideline him for up to five weeks, than Wigan manager Roberto Martinez again appeared to cast doubt on James McCarthy’s availability for the game.

Earlier this week, Trapattoni was unequivocal about the player’s commitment to the green shirt, maintaining he could see no reason why the player would not be available for the game against Macedonia in which, he hinted strongly, he could even make the competitive debut. That would, once and for all, tie him to the Republic, despite Scotland’s notional claim on his talents.