New Everton recruit McCarthy returns to Ireland squad training

James McCarthy belatedly joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad this morning after completing his deadline-day move to Everton.

The midfielder trained with his international colleagues at Malahide for the first time after being given permission to delay his arrival by manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

He was joined by West Brom striker Shane Long, who dashed back to England last night as Hull attempted, ultimately in vain, to sign him.

Skipper Robbie Keane and defender Darren O’Dea both trained following their arrivals from America and Canada respectively, but Stoke defender Marc Wilson sat out once again as he nursed his ankle problem and keepers David Forde and Darren Randolph took no part in the game at the end of the session.

However, assistant manager Marco Tardelli is confident all three will be fit for Friday night’s World Cup qualifier against Sweden.