James McCarthy ruled out of Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier in Serbia

James McCarthy is out of the Republic of Ireland's opening World Cup qualifier in Serbia after returning to his club following assessment of his groin injury.

The 25-year-old midfielder met up with Martin O'Neill's squad despite missing Everton's 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke at the weekend with the problem, but has had to admit defeat in his efforts to shake it off ahead of Monday night's game in Belgrade.