McCarthy facing hamstring scan

Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy was due to undergo another scan on his injured hamstring on Wednesday afternoon with the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland looming.

The Everton man, who celebrated his 24th birthday with a gentle stroll around the training pitch under the close attention of doctor Alan Byrne at a rain-soaked Gannon Park as his team-mates continued their preparation, is being given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of Friday’s clash at Celtic Park.