Martin O'Neill on James McCarthy: Lasting the match would be a concern

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill will not gamble on James McCarthy's fitness as he looks for a first victory of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Midfielder McCarthy has not kicked a ball for Everton since August 23 and missed the opening qualifier in Serbia after undergoing groin surgery, and he met up with his country on Sunday with club manager Ronald Koeman urging Ireland to look after him.