McCarthy enjoying the Keane effect

A day after Martin O’Neill suggested some of Ireland’s younger players might have been a tad nervous in anticipation of Roy Keane’s presence in the camp, James McCarthy has dismissed the idea, saying instead that the new assistant coach has been “a joy” to work with.

“Obviously Roy has played at the top all of his life and everyone respects him,” says the Everton midfielder. “He respected everyone else when he came into the squad. He was brilliant and a joy to work with. I thought his coaching sessions and training sessions day to day a couple of weeks ago were brilliant. We all really enjoyed it. There’s a good buzz about the place and we want to keep that momentum going in a few months’ time.”

McCarthy says it’s especially pleasing to have a man advising him who knows, from first-hand experience, what it’s like to be in the heat of midfield battle.