Extra Time: Crunch time in McCarthy saga

After yesterday’s inclusion of James McCarthy in the Irish squad, JOE ponders whether the time has finally come for the talented midfielder to finally get the chance to nail his colours to the mast.

By Tom Moss

There were few surprises yesterday when El Trap revealed his 29-man squad to take on Macedonia in two weeks time. Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane have both been included as they face a race against time to be fit for the crucial encounter. But the continuing ‘Will He Won’t He?’ saga surrounding James McCarthy continues to be the main talking point.

I can’t see Trappatoni altering his defensively-orientated central midfield pairing just to satisfy the growing demands of the Irish public.

Reports at the weekend suggest that in an effort to quell rumours to the contrary, McCarthy met with the Irish boss and underlined his desire to represent the Republic.

His inclusion in yesterday’s squad was never really in doubt, as Trappatoni always made clear his intention to name the Wigan star on the panel, but will he finally give him the cap that everyone in Ireland is so desperately hoping for?

I can’t see Trappatoni altering his defensively-orientated central midfield pairing just to satisfy the growing demands of the Irish public. It looks likely that any two of Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan and Paul Green will start, meaning that the appearance of McCarthy, if it comes, will be through necessity late on or via an injury.

A shame really, considering the fact that our opponents on March 26th, Macedonia, could easily be dismantled if a more daring approach was taken.

Up for debate

Also up for debate is the back four. With Richard Dunne struggling, a reshuffle may be required, but I expect the troubled Villa man to make the starting XI, (it’s not as if he’ll be over-worked at his club now), while the continuing form of clubmate Ciaran Clark would suggest that he will be retained at left-back.

Robbie Keane should also recover and will partner Kevin Doyle up front despite a more than legitimate claim of late from Shane Long, who has been generating Premier League interest with his excellent performances to date for Championship side Reading.

When the cull of six is applied to the 29-man squad next week, expect to see Keith Andrews, Andy Keogh, Kevin Kilbane, Keith Treacy, Liam Lawrence and perhaps Darren O’Dea drop out. Andrews and Keogh have failed to hit anything like the form that is required of them this season, Kilbane’s central-midfield berth at League One side Huddersfield suggests the he is no longer a viable option at left-back for the Republic, while Treacy, Lawrence and O’Dea have also been struggling to impress of late.

In an ideal world, Trappatoni would start as follows: Westwood-O’Shea-Clark-Dunne-St.Ledger-Gibson-McGeady-McCarthy-Doyle-Keane-Duff, but expect to see Whelan or Green to oust McCarthy for the starting role in midfield.

JOKE OF THE DAY?

‘BLACKBURN PLOT £15M SUMMER BID FOR BENDTNER.’ - Foreign investors are famed for having a less than informed knowledge of the game, but it doesn’t stop them from pretending. But surely new Indian owners of Blackburn Rovers are taking it a bit far.