James McCarthy unlikely to be fit for Ireland’s first World Cup qualifier

A number of other players have fitness concerns too.

James McCarthy's groin injury is being monitored as Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill begins preparations for next Monday's tough opening World Cup qualifier in Serbia.

The Everton midfielder reported for international duty nursing the problem which kept him out of Everton's Premier League victory over Stoke at the weekend, and his chances of being involved in Wednesday's friendly against Oman in Dublin look extremely remote.