MARTIN O’NEILL IS refusing to be drawn on the participation of James McCarthy in Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier clash with Scotland saying the player still has time to prove his fitness.
Speaking in Malahide this morning, the Ireland manager said the midfielder was ‘feeling better’ every day and will go for another scan this afternoon as a precaution.
“James is feeling better each day,” said O’Neill.
“He didn’t do any work today. He’s going for another scan this afternoon as a kind of update and he is feeling better. We’ll see what tomorrow might bring.
“He had just a little walk [today]. It’s only a few days since the injury and there’s a possibility he’ll try to join in over the next few days but that’s all it was, just a walk with the doctor.”
The Ireland boss also dismissed suggestions that his handling of McCarthy would be influenced by his club.
“This has nothing to do [with Everton]. I think it has to do with if he’s fit to play, then fine. If he’s not, then fine but he has improved”
Additional reporting by Niall Kelly.
