McCarthy plays down Trap ‘mix-up’

JAMES McCARTHY last night refused to criticise Giovanni Trapattoni for his shock demotion from the Ireland senior squad to the U21s.

Instead of being with the full squad preparing for their crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers, the Wigan Athletic midfielder yesterday linked up with Noel King’s rookies in Sligo ahead of Thursday’s opening U21 European qualifier against Hungary (The Showgrounds, 7.30pm).

It’s the latest development in the tense relationship between Trapattoni and McCarthy. The Italian took exception when the player failed to directly inform the FAI of his withdrawal from the panel for the end-of-the-season assignments that included the vital European Championship qualifier in Macedonia. Several senior players — including Robbie Keane, Shay Given and Stephen Hunt — echoed Trap’s disappointment in public on the non-appearance of McCarthy as well as other ‘stayaways’ including Stoke duo Marc Wilson and Jonathan Walters.

However, the 20-year-old insisted last night he was comfortable in the underage ranks for now despite Trapattoni’s failure to draft him into the seniors yesterday as a replacement for either of the injured duo, Darron Gibson and Keith Fahey.

“There was just a mix-up,” said McCarthy with regard to his absence in May. “I was injured in the last game of the Premier League season and that was why I didn’t come across.

“Things may have been said in the paper but quotes can be taken out of context, too.

“I’ve no issue with anyone. I love playing for Ireland.

“And I’m happy to be here with the U21s.

“I want to win as many caps as I can for the U21s and seniors. It is my ambition to do as well as I can.”

Trapattoni included the midfielder in his original extended squad for the double-header against Slovakia on Friday and Russia four days later only to omit him from the final 25-man panel. McCarthy was informed of the decision by U21 boss Noel King last week, admitting he was didn’t think twice about stepping back a level.

“When Noel rang me last week and told me he was calling me in, I said, ‘grand, I’ll see you Monday, so,” he said.

“I know a lot of these lads in this squad, get on great with them, and I’m looking forward to Thursday. There is a lot of talent in this squad — and if the guys get the right breaks you will see a lot of them play Premier League football.”