Scottish taunts no worry for McCarthy

James McCarthy insists he has absolutely no qualms about playing for Ireland in Scotland in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, despite anticipating renewed echoes of the abuse he received as a Glasgow-born player with Hamilton who decided to declare for the Republic.

“I’m delighted — to be honest, I’m looking forward to it,” he says. “Obviously there will be boos probably, but I’ve got used to it now.

“For a few years I had (it) playing in the SPL and in the lower divisions in the Scottish League — that’s part and parcel of the game.

“Some people don’t like you but you get on with it.

“As I say, it’s a game I’m really looking forward to.

“I’ve said before I like to see Scotland doing well but the main priority for me is Ireland qualifying and whatever happens with Scotland happens.

“I think Aiden (McGeady) is in the same scenario.” We had a bit of banter, when we were in, the morning after it (the draw) got made and had a chat about it.

“But we’re excited about it and looking forward to it.”

Asked if he’d received more than a few texts after the draw in Nice, the Everton man grins: “A few — the odd one winding me up — but it’s an exciting group and it’s not just about Scotland.

“We have games against Germany, Georgia, Poland and Gibraltar and they will all be tough games,” he added.