James McCarthy M free agent b.1990

[Stuttgart88]

The same paper now has an article on how McGeady might be regretting declaring for Ireland now that Scotland have a chance of making Euro 2008.:rolleyes:Have you seen the piece on youtube with McGeady wearing his Irish shirt as a kid and his dad explaining that there was simply never any option other than him playing for Ireland? Well done Aiden's dad!

[tetsujin1979]

Have you seen the piece on youtube with McGeady wearing his Irish shirt as a kid and his dad explaining that there was simply never any option other than him playing for Ireland? Well done Aiden's dad!
That's from Celtic: The Irish Connection DVD

[Sligo Hornet]

I hope people on here read this and start giving McGeady the respect he deserves. The guy's a star. Also, well done James McCarthy.

I hope someone shows that video clip to Stephen "Superman" Ireland

[eirebhoy]

That's from Celtic: The Irish Connection DVD
Yeah they've had it on TV3 2 or 3 times.

Anyway, that's an excellent win for U18s after losing the previous match 4-0. McCarthy played up front which is odd but scoring a brace makes it not so odd. ;)

[SuperDave]

This guy is going to be massive. I'm delighted he's with us. I salute young lads like him who have the balls to go and play for their country. People on here need to come over to the UK sometime and see first hand the stick that the likes of McGeady and McCarthy get for delaring. But you're all stuck on your barstools watching Dunphy and worshipping Man Utd and Chelsea.


exactly. though in all seriousness, the only reason anyone in that position would ever declare for the other country is future international qualification prospects. Go on, deny it. When McGeady chose, Ireland were twice the team Scotland were.

[as_i_say]

exactly. though in all seriousness, the only reason anyone in that position would ever declare for the other country is future international qualification prospects. Go on, deny it. When McGeady chose, Ireland were twice the team Scotland were.

Dunno about that. 4 years ago we would have been pretty much the same level with the same prospects for qualifying for tournaments.

[tetsujin1979]

exactly. though in all seriousness, the only reason anyone in that position would ever declare for the other country is future international qualification prospects. Go on, deny it. When McGeady chose, Ireland were twice the team Scotland were.
According to his wikipedia profile - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiden_McGeady - he played for the U-15 schoolboy team, since he was born in 1986, so that would have been about 2000/2001
At that stage, ourselves and Scotland had just missed out on Euro 2000, Ireland after drawing with Turkey, Scotland after losing out to England, despite beating them at home.
Ireland hadn't qualified for a senior international tournament in more than 6 years, and Scotland had last failed to qualify in USA '94.

[Paddy Garcia]

exactly. though in all seriousness, the only reason anyone in that position would ever declare for the other country is future international qualification prospects. Go on, deny it. When McGeady chose, Ireland were twice the team Scotland were.

That picture of him on utube playing in an Irish shirt was at a time when Scotland were competing in the finals in France & we were back home.

Still, no reason to let the truth get in the way of prejudice.

[Ireland4ever]

Soccer saturday or the loop that is sky news?

[Fergie's Son]

Any mention of his changing allegiances?

[TheBoss]

We have to see whether he can maintain his current improvement, we have seen players in the past that were really good as youngsters but failed to deliver in the end.

[kingdomkerry]

I think he should be called in to the senior squad for the Brazil game. Michael Owen was 17 when he made his debut for england.

[kingdomkerry]

Naah, sure no harm to have a look at him training with the seniors for the brazil game

[Stuttgart88]

Anyone got informed opinion on Dixon's recovery from injury? Emmet Malone seemed to suggest he needs one more career saving operation. Point taken on Lapira, but St Leger wasn't actually capped (on the bench though). I think St Leger may feature yet. Can't wait to see McCarthy play.

[eirebhoy]

The Scots have been emailing the SFA about him.

http://taboard.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=67930


I got a reply from Ross Mathie yesterday:

'Thank you for your e-mail regarding the player James McCarthy. We have watched the player on numerous occasions by Archie Knox , members of the Youth International Youth Teams backroom staff and myself.He recently was involved in an Under 18 tournament with the Republic as well as being a member of their Under 17 Squad last season.

It was indicated very early on that he wanted to play for the Republic because of his Grandfathers dying wish.That is something that we have to respect.

Regards
Ross Mathie'

[geysir]

he wanted to play for the Republic because of his Grandfathers dying wish
A Grandfather's dying wish? fair play to the old man, a patriot to his last dying breath.

[carloz]

Interesting section on him on Sky Sports News thisd morning. They were explaining that he is the hottest young property in Europe but that the Tartan Army should not get excited. Tey interviewed McCarthy and he said he made a promise to his grand dad that he would play for Ireland. His grand dad has since died

[carloz]

Very handsome reporter too, eh Carloz?!
Cant remember actually:confused:

[greendeiseboy]

we should secure jamie asap regardless of his age and give him a run in our next competitive game even if its only a last minute introduction......... believe me the scots are out to get him no matter what... pity he wasnt called up for the welch game

[paul_oshea]

i never knew my neighbours at home played against their own country in a friendly....

Btw, does anyone else think its a bit of a bad one to put on a grandson? I mean great from our point of view, but for the young fella himself like, he would feel he is betraying him somewhat....

[DmanDmythDledge]

Btw, does anyone else think its a bit of a bad one to put on a grandson? I mean great from our point of view, but for the young fella himself like, he would feel he is betraying him somewhat....
I take it that he was born in Ireland? Maybe he brought up his kids as Irish and they could have done the same.

[kingdomkerry]

forget training for the brazil game, cap him

[Tenderloins]

If McCarthy moves out of Scotland be it to Liverpool, Sunderland , Barca or Real Madrid then there will be far less pressure on him to change allegience.

[Torn-Ado]

I can see him going to Celtic.

[jmurphyc]

I can see him going to Celtic.

Have they expressed an interest? I'd rather see him go to one of the other clubs that are supposedly scouting him.

[drinkfeckarse]

James is a class act. That German team last week came 3rd in the World Cup and he bossed the game, "stood out in that company" were McCaffrey's exact words. He must be the most experienced player under 20 in Britain and Ireland. Almost 50 senior appearances now for the Accies. Can't wait to see him in the senior squad.

Just curious Tuff but have you seen him in the flesh for Hamilton?

[Maroon 7]

Have they expressed an interest? I'd rather see him go to one of the other clubs that are supposedly scouting him.

Celtic have been scouting him too. There was talk a couple of weeks ago that they might go in to buy him in January and loan him back to Hamilton for 18 months.

[youngirish]

James is a class act. That German team last week came 3rd in the World Cup and he bossed the game, "stood out in that company" were McCaffrey's exact words. He must be the most experienced player under 20 in Britain and Ireland. Almost 50 senior appearances now for the Accies. Can't wait to see him in the senior squad.

You must be in love with him Tuff Paddy. Did you interview him? There are loads of more experienced players under 20 than him with more appearances in better quality leagues - as far as Irish players are concerned Garvan springs to mind.

Anyway I take your main point that he's making all the right noises but I'll give him a few more years before making a judgement.

[Colbert Report]

Forget Celtic or Liverpool, I'd love to see him sign with Barcelona or AC Milan. Even if he didn't make it for them, the coaching he'd get over the next couple of years would be far better for him than getting the legs kicked out from underneath him playing in Scotland.

[dr_peepee]

Alan Kelly was being looked at by Barcalona..... So was Gary Breen.... (Ah! The back of the Herald in the pre poisoned witchunt era!)

[citizenerased]

Alan Kelly was being looked at by Barcalona..... So was Gary Breen.... (Ah! The back of the Herald in the pre poisoned witchunt era!)

Yeah they had a close shave there...gary breen for barca...lol.

[Tenderloins]

Mark Kinsella was being looked at by Barcelona when he was playing with Colchester!

[youngirish]

How many Irish players have ever even been looked at by big Spanish clubs, even when they have made it at bigger clubs than where James is?

Alan Mahon and Phil Babb were both looked at by Sporting Lisbon. I know, I know, close but no cigar.

[NeilMcD]

Do you not remember the Garry Breen to Barcleona rumours.

[SuperDave]

Do you not remember the Garry Breen to Barcleona rumours.

Inter Milan, too, IIRC. And don't forget one player actually PLAYED for Inter! And (nearly) scored, too!

[geysir]

Alan Mahon and Phil Babb were both looked at by Sporting Lisbon. I know, I know, close but no cigar.
Phil Babb was voted the best defender in the league with Sporting Lisbon, not bad for free signing from Tranmere.

[soccerc]

Feature interview in today's Examiner about James McCarthy. ENDA BRADY travelled to Hamilton Academical FC to see what all the fuss is about.



Who the fcuk is this enda brady bloke? obviously must love himself, putting his name in uppercase :D

[soccerc]

Maybe someone really good like Fanning or Curtis will go and interview him next?

.... absolutely, they would give the unwashed a real insight into the kid :p

[osarusan]

Quite simply Scotland never approached him and you get the impression that even if they had, such is the strong family link to Ireland he wouldn’t have changed his mind.

“Scotland didn’t ask me to play for them and the Republic did, that’s all there is to it,” adds James.


Don't those two sentences contradict each other?

The first one suggests he feels Irish true and true, but the second suggests it was a case of whoever asked him first.

[kennedmc]

Perhaps he is being told to lay part of the blame on the Scottish FA to take some of the heat his decision to declare for us.......so the Scots fans may lay off him abit.

I would imagine its a geniine decision based on family and ties to Donegal.
If an Irish born player declared for Scotland for the same reasons I would respect their decision.

[Supreme feet]

Didn't know he was 6' tall. I've never seen him play. I figured him to be an attacking midfielder, from other reports. Great news if his tackling and reading of the game is standing out at his age. God speed...

[Maroon 7]

Face of the future

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/face-of-the-future-1252257.html

James McCarthy, pictured above and below, at his home in Glasgow was hugely influenced in his decision to play for Ireland by his grandfather and has impressed in their under-age teams

Friday December 21 2007


MARIE McCARTHY is getting used to the chore of welcoming strangers into her home and making them cups of tea. Rarely a day passes without some unknown face arriving onto her doorstep.


From the outside, their two storey home looks no different to any other in the vast working class housing estates on the outskirts of Glasgow. Within the four walls, however, there has been a wide array of visitors who have travelled from afar in search of their own Holy Grail.

That's what happens when you house one of the most sought after teenage midfielders in European football. Seventeen-year-old James McCarthy may ply his trade with the modest artisans of Hamilton Academicals in the Scottish First Division but his prodigious talent has alerted every major scout in the game.

Representatives of all the top Premiership clubs have visited at some stage or another in a bid to secure the signature of the hottest property in Scotland. The locals claim that Hamilton's average attendance has doubled with all the observers who come to watch the red haired central midfielder with a goalscoring touch.

Surreal

As we speak in hushed tones in the kitchen while a surprise visitor from the BBC interviews James in the adjoining living room, Marie's husband Willie explains that Brian Kidd had recently been in this spot bartering on Sheffield United's behalf. For the hosts, it was a surreal experience.

The day after our meeting, a representative of Sunderland was on the guest list. And, in addition to the Premiership Big Four, there has even been a visitor from Spain where Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruna have been watching his progress with interest.

They are giddy times but the story has an added twist. He may be Glasgow born and bred in but the photos on the wall make it clear where his international allegiances lie. Fittingly, the postman drops by with a delivery of custom made football boots from Nike for his elder brother Paul. At the heel, the chosen emblem is the familiar tricolour of green white and gold.

McCarthy has declared for Ireland and is not for turning on the matter.

The natives aren't happy but then maybe they don't quite understand where he is coming from. Either way, they will have to accept it.

****

Paddy Coyle's story was a common one amongst his generation. In the early 1930's, as a teenager, he left his home in Donegal to move to Scotland in search of work and link up with some of those which had gone before him. Economical truths were told about his age in order to secure work labouring and doing whatever was needed to make a few bob.

He was the eldest of eight children and, as circumstance would have it, when he married he would father eight kids of his own. The family set up home in the Castlemilk area on the south east of the city, a part of town established by the local Corporation to find housing space for people living in the overcrowded inner city slums.

Over time, the area has developed considerably in terms of amenities for the locals and is unrecognisable from what it once was.

What has remained constant is the suburb's distinctly Irish feel. The shop fronts and businesses bear names like McDaid and Farrell and other clans of Irish origin. In some respects, it has become a home away from home.

Throughout his life, Paddy never lost touch with the land he left behind. He'd been a handy enough GAA player in his day and represented Donegal at underage level so always kept in touch with their exploits.

Pleasure

In his new home, Glasgow Celtic and football became a passion and in his latter years, he took immense pleasure from Ireland qualifying for three World Cups and made sure that the ever extending family circle clearly understood the significance.

For the exiles of Castlemilk it had a special resonance as a central figure in those glory days was someone who had grown up just around the corner.

The Houghton family were near neighbours and Ray's brother John had dated one of the Coyle sisters in their youth. To this day, the families remain in touch -- albeit from afar as the Houghtons moved south with Ray when football took him there.

Not that the Coyle kids needed much reminding of their Irishness. Through their father's storytelling and interests it was never far away.

Honour

Even as they grew up and flew the coop they were never too far from his side. All but one still live in the general area and, despite his passing, the offspring still gather every Saturday night in the family home to honour a tradition which was part of their upbringing.

Those Saturdays were special. The lads might go out for a pint while the women would stick around the house having a chat as the brood marauded around the place.

Now and again, there would be the odd singsong while some of the younger ones engaged in Irish dancing. It may sound like a cliche, but this was the reality for the tight knit Coyle clan and so much of the Irish diaspora who made this part of Glasgow their home.

Marie was the third born Coyle child and the first daughter. She grew up and married Willie McCarthy, a Scot who has Cork blood back in his family tree. They settled, unsurprisingly, in Castlemilk and have four children. First came Paul, then Brian, then Lisa and last in the line was James.

As it became abundantly clear that James was a special football talent, Paddy said nothing would make him happier than to see his grandson represent Ireland. Scotland had consistently dithered over including him in squads but when Sean McCaffrey was made aware of his availability two years ago he was on the next plane over and the rest, as they say, is history.

Sadly, Paddy would not be around to witness his dream come to fruition. Early last year, aged 89, he left this world with a dying wish that James would stay true to his Irish ambitions.

After making that promise, there was never any chance of James turning back. And there never will be.

What he didn't expect was the furore that it would cause. He's well used to being asked by the Scottish press about his intentions and a recent presentation of a Player of the Month award was hijacked and turned into a grilling on the topic.

"It's always the same when you get an interview here in Scotland," says James.

"They're always asking so 'what's happening, are you going to change?' and it's at the stage now where I just say 'we'll see what happens' to put them off and get them off my back.

Happy

"I won a Player of the Month Award but spent my entire time talking about that. But I'm happy where I'm at, with Ireland. The fuss can be annoying, but it doesn't really bother me."

He'd rather just play football. Yet the nastier side of the fall-out behind his decision has angered the family. At certain away grounds, they've sat and endured the pain of hearing abuse being rained down upon James with trips to Stirling and Partick in particular bringing back bad memories. To the uneducated, he is a traitor and many more unprintables.

[Maroon 7]

After one particular game, Paul and Brian stumbled upon an internet forum where the accusation had been made that James had blessed himself twice during a match as means of provocation. It was absolutely groundless but the legacy of the courage of his convictions is that such innuendo is likely to follow him.

It would be diff-erent if he moved away from Scotland and privately his family are accepting of that fact. Realis-tically, it will come into the equation when big decisions are made in the New Year.

There are no regrets though. He has been involved in McCaffrey squads at under 17, under 18 and under 19 level and has settled into the group quickly, keeping in contact with his team-mates between call ups. Their camaraderie helped ahead of his first outing against Italy.

"They just laughed about everything that was going on around the time. Yeah, there was a wee bit of pressure and nerves but once I get on the park I don't really get nervous."

The last statement -- like most of McCarthy's words -- is spoken softly rather than with youthful brashness. There is confidence in his ability, but no trace of arrogance. All the same, it is reassuring that when asked his opinion of the prodigy, ex-Dunferm-line boss Stephen Kenny speaks of his toughness on the park as a principal attribute.

His unassuming nature could fool one into possibly thinking that the necessary hard edge to mix it with the big boys might be lacking. On the other hand, it's doubtful that any player -- let alone one who made his debut at the tender young age of 15 -- could excel in the tough world of the Scottish First Division without having the necessary aggression.

Personally he believes his two years scrapping it out have been a far better education than what would have awaited him at Celtic who opted not to take him on as they were over-subscribed numbers wise. Considering they are now amongst his suitors, it was an unfortunate call on their part.

"I was upset about it at the time but I just got on with it and it's worked out better," recalls McCarthy. "I'm playing first team with Hamilton and I've enjoyed it. The set up is great and it's a fantastic stepping stone."

After a flying start to the campaign, the Accies are fighting it out for top spot with Dundee. There's a young nucleus to the squad which has made the bedding in process far easier than it might have been in different environments.

Ambition

As a debt of gratitude to the faith his manager Billy Reid and all at the club have shown in him, McCarthy is desperate to stick around and deliver promotion even if he knows that there's little prospect of him still being around for the SPL if that ambition is achieved.

Instead, he will be employed in more salubrious pastures but isn't sure where. He has already spent time on trial with Reading, Celtic and Liverpool and enjoyed the various experiences. The opportunity to join the last and most illustrious of those was there in January but all concerned felt it would be better if he stuck around home a little bit longer.

"I didn't want to leave home," he concedes. "I'm happy here with the family, they keep my feet on the ground but at the end of the season I'll see what happens.

I just enjoy being here at home but I know something might be around the corner.

"I leave it to my advisor (George Gray) to deal with it because I just want to concentrate on football. It's good to be mentioned in the papers about who wants me and this and that. And, yeah, sometimes I might be lying in bed thinking about what might happen but I've got to focus on my football and not let the talk get to me."

Instead, it's Willie and Marie who are left to ponder the heart rendering decisions that have to be made. Like the Houghtons all those years ago, every offer from a club in England comes with the carrot of free accommodation for the family to ensure maximum stability for James. They accept that life as they know it may never be the same again.

The excitement about what may lie ahead is palpable but it's tempered by the reason that comes with solid upbringing.

Promising teenagers who have been touted as the next big thing but disappeared just as quickly are ten a dozen. In football circles, though, there is strong belief that this kid can be one of the other two.

Paddy Coyle would be proud. His love for Ireland never wavered and now his legacy to his country will be stronger than he ever could have imagined when he headed for the boat all those years ago.

As James knows more than most, home is truly where the heart is.


James McCarthy: Factfile of a star in the making
Born: November 12, 1990: Glasgow

Club: Hamilton Academicals

Position: Central Midfield

Appearances: 46

Goals: 7

Debut: September 30, 2006 v Queen of the South

Ireland Debut: January 23, 2007 Ireland U-17 v Italy

What they say about him

Billy Reid, Hamilton manager: "I have heard a lot of young players getting hyped up over the years and for any youngster to be compared to established international stars is unfair but this isn't just hype with James. We have something special."

Sean McCaffrey, Ireland youth boss: "There's no question James has all the attributes needed to become a top player. He's special but his next career move is very important."

What he says about the future

"I just want to concentrate on football. It's good to be mentioned in the papers about who wants me and this and that. And, yeah, sometimes I might be lying in bed thinking about what might happen, but I've got to focus on my football and not let the talk get to me."

[geysir]

Good article Maroon, thanks.
Must be written by Tuff Paddy :)

[eirebhoy]

Excellent article.

[irishfan86]

Cheers for the article, the more I hear about him, the more I like him.

Let's hope for his sake and ours he comes good.

[eirebhoy]

I like that quote from Reid:
"I have heard a lot of young players getting hyped up over the years and for any youngster to be compared to established international stars is unfair but this isn't just hype with James. We have something special."

[cheifo]

Good article.Daniel McConnell is becoming required reading.Judging by his head shot he is still young so fair play to him.

[tetsujin1979]

Scotland underage manager wants McCarthy to change allegiance: http://www.sundayherald.com/sport/shfootball/display.var.1961744.0.starks_mccarthy_mission.php

[Serb]

Great article, McCarthy has the face of a 10 year old! It really brings home just how young he is in that article.