Luther Blissett
Active Member
Trapattoni names squad for Brazil game: Giovanni Trapattoni today named a 23-man squad ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s international friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday, March 2nd. The Italian has called-up James McCarthy, Greg Cunningham and Marc Wilson for the first time.
Wigan teenager McCarthy (19) received his first call after a series of promising performances for the Latics, who he joined from Scottish side Hamilton last summer.
Finally! I take it this means that McCarthy hasn't decided to play for Scotland as a number of papers had been suggesting? Although I suppose he could always do a Shane Duffy and decline the offer:
Soccer: Shane Duffy has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for a forthcoming friendly with Albania after deciding to change his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.
The 18-year-old Everton defender, born in Derry, had been expected to win his first cap for Northern Ireland in Tirana next month.
Instead, Duffy has informed Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington he wishes to play for the Republic.
Duffy, who has made two appearances for Everton in the Europa League this season, had come through the underage system with Northern Ireland and was captain of the under-19s before graduating to the under-21s.
His decision is similar to that of fellow Derry native Darron Gibson. The Manchester United midfielder also declared for the Republic as a senior international having previously played with Northern Ireland at underage levels.