Giles presses for Noble amid fears over McCarthy ‘mentality’

John Giles is yet to be convinced that James McCarthy can impose himself as a commanding midfield presence for Ireland. And he believes West Ham’s Mark Noble, should he declare for the Republic, might be good enough to go straight into Martin O’Neill’s European Championship qualifying team.

Giles, one of the most complete midfielders of his generation, has closely watched McCarthy since he became a mainstay in the senior team after Euro 2012 and, while he has no doubts about the Everton man’s quality, he is concerned the player’s mentality means he might never fully realise his potential.

“He has the ability which is one thing,” says Giles.