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.