McCarthy boost for injury-hit Irish
JAMES McCARTHY has given the Republic of Ireland a huge lift by taking part in training ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Midfielder McCarthy has not played for his club Everton since March 5 because of a hamstring problem and the chances of him being fit to start at the Aviva Stadium remain slim.
However, the fact he has a chance of being involved is a welcome boost to manager Martin O’Neill, who has already lost Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark, Harry Arter, Wes Hoolahan and Daryl Murphy to injury and Robbie Brady to suspension.
Republic striker Jon Walters is also raring to go after recovering from knee surgery in January.
“It’s all sorted now,” he said. “It took time coming back to make sure it was completely right. It feels really good.”
James McClean is back in the camp after being given leave to travel north to pass on his condolences to the family of close friend and Derry City captain Ryan McBride ahead of his funeral today.
Wales midfielder Joe Ledley could miss the game if his wife Ruby goes into labour before the clash.
Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey, Ledley’s teammate at Crystal Palace, said: “The baby is due two or three days after the game, so Joe is hoping he doesn’t get the call until the day after.
“He’s been keeping his phone on loud when he’s been on the training field. He’s been calm, it’s their third so he’s used to it now.”
Ledley has a reputation for bad timing after scheduling his wedding for the same day as the Euro 2016 final last summer, with Wales then upsetting the odds to make an historic run to the last four.
“He doesn’t plan ahead, that’s his problem,” joked Hennessey. “We just hope it all goes well. He’s got two girls, so he’d like a boy, but I’m telling him all the time it’s going to be a girl!”