James McCarthy M free agent b.1990

[youngirish]

This is a joke, right?

An educated guess would say yes.

[Sullivinho]

Word from Wigan is that he's switched to Scotland.

ThE wee traiotor!

[SkStu]

Word from Wigan is that he's switched to Scotland.

what is the point in this?

[Charlie Darwin]

Apparently when he was asked why he made the switch he mumbled something about Trapattoni sipping Martinis by the pool and Andy Reid.

[tetsujin1979]

Word from Wigan is that he's switched to Scotland.I'm calling shenanigans on this, link to an actual report, or it never happened

[Fergie's Son]

Not a particularly funny joke. That said, would like him to get a full cap in a competitive match and move on from this discussion.

[geysir]

Good news, James came on as a first half sub at home to Newcastle. It's just about ten weeks to the day since Martinez predicted the recovery would take 8-10 weeks.

[gally]

that was McCarthur not our own James...

[Sullivinho]

Two ex-Hamilton midfield Mc's at Wigan - won't be the last time someone mixes those two up.

[elroy]

Good news, James came on as a first half sub at home to Newcastle. It's just about ten weeks to the day since Martinez predicted the recovery would take 8-10 weeks.

Your not the only one to mix it up, the bbc website text of the match initially said James Mc Carthy as well, thought it was a bit soon but cant be too long more before he is back in action.

[Razors left peg]

would I be right in saying that Tom Cleverly has played in McCarthys position while hes been injured? Cleverly is very highly rated at Old Trafford so a comparison between the 2 of them might give us a little bit more of an idea how good McCarthy is

[Charlie Darwin]

He's been playing wide left anytime I've seen him.

[livehead1]

would I be right in saying that Tom Cleverly has played in McCarthys position while hes been injured? Cleverly is very highly rated at Old Trafford so a comparison between the 2 of them might give us a little bit more of an idea how good McCarthy is

Not sure if he's that highly rated, think they feel he is going to be a decent premiership player and no more. I heard Ferguson was at the game, could be to watch El-Habsi more than anything else.

[Razors left peg]

Not sure if he's that highly rated, think they feel he is going to be a decent premiership player and no more. I heard Ferguson was at the game, could be to watch El-Habsi more than anything else.

Ferguson has already talked about recalling him from the loan for the rest of the season.Hes done very very well in preseason for United in the last couple of seasons so I do think they think he has a chance of making it there

[The Fly]

JAMES McCARTHY is still waiting for an apology from Bolton star Fabrice Muamba.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/england/2011/01/02/fabrice-muamba-hasn-t-said-sorry-for-injuring-me-but-i-just-want-to-regain-fitness-says-wigan-star-james-mccarthy-86908-22821821/

[Colbert Report]

I thought it was Ridgewell from Birmingham that took him out?

[Greenbod]

I thought it was Ridgewell from Birmingham that took him out?

Guess that would explain why no apology was forthcoming from Muamba.

[Charlie Darwin]

Nah, the Ridgewell thing was a minor clash a couple of months earlier. It as Muamba who injured him properly against Bolton.

[Brendan 82]

Nah, the Ridgewell thing was a minor clash a couple of months earlier. It as Muamba who injured him properly against Bolton.

A minor thing cause James did not get injured, thankfully. It was a horror tackle

[The Fly]

McCarthy only weeks away from a return

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0113/1224287412615.html


Hopefully he'll be fit to play some part in the match against Wales.

[Wolfie]

Great to hear he's steadily recovering - just hope he's not rushed back too soon.

[The Fly]

McCarthy likely to miss Arsenal game

http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-athletic/mac_likely_to_miss_arsenal_clash_1_2941705




IT’S looking increasingly likely that James McCarthy’s eagerly-anticipated return from injury will have to wait at least another week.

Latics’ Republic of Ireland international midfielder has been out of action since October when he damaged medial ligaments, and was stretchered off in the 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers. It had been hoped that a return to first-team action for McCarthy might materialise this weekend at Arsenal, but Latics boss Roberto Martinez now doesn’t appear so hopeful.

He said: “James is such a delightful character, he’s been desperate to get involved and his recovery has gone well. He has worked really hard behind the scenes, he’s begun training with the group again even though there are certain aspects of the game that he can’t join in with yet. He’s not far away, but the Arsenal game is probably looking a little bit too early for him."

“We need to make sure that when a player has been away for a long time you must be 100 per cent so as to avoid any risk of re-injury. That’s where we stand with James, but it is great to see his real quality back with us in training.......”

[Paddy Garcia]

Bruce take note.

[The Fly]

Indeed.

[TrapAPony]

Made the bench today for Wigan v Arsenal.

[gastric]

Article from today's Indo about the chance of McCarthy making our next squad.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/mccarthys-early-return-gives-trap-some-food-for-thought-2507993.html

[SwanVsDalton]

Stoke the Ireland squad controversy fires! McCarthy starts to tonight for Wigan.

[Noelys Guitar]

McCarthy starts tonight not in squad. Foley out for another week at least in squad.

[SkStu]

there are questions that need to be asked at this stage. Someone is not telling the whole story.

[theworm2345]

About 25 minutes in he showed some great skill to beat a defender near the top of the area, gave it to Rodallega who couldn't finish but it was a nice move. Was mixing it up with Nigel Reo-Coker earlier as well.

[Razors left peg]

the excuse for his exclusion from the current squad doesnt add up at all. Yes he is just coming back from injury, but if Trap had done his homework he would have known he was close to his comeback and there are still 2 weeks before the game which is plenty of time for him to build up his fitness. O Shea only came back at the weekend and he is included.

To be honest Ive become very cynical and disillusioned with Trap since the Russia game and decisions like this arent helping. Ive said in the past that there isnt a hope in hell of McCarthy declaring for Scotland again.... the way things are going I wouldnt be nearly as confident

[TrapAPony]

Yet another howler on Trap's part. Fed up with him at this stage. Hopefully someone like Chris Hughton will be in soon.

[tetsujin1979]

Question: If David Meyler starts for Sunderland this weekend (he won't, I've heard no news that he will, this is completely hypothetical), will people be campaigning for his call up and criticising Trapattoni for not including him?

[tricky_colour]

Ah well I went to the shops at half time and Wigan are 0-2 down when I got back.
Seemed pretty even first half so I don't know what happened, McCarthy and Dunne seemed to be having good games.
Bit irrelevant here but Nottingham Forest and winning :D
Looks like they are going up this year on current form!!

[SkStu]

Question: If David Meyler starts for Sunderland this weekend (he won't, I've heard no news that he will, this is completely hypothetical), will people be campaigning for his call up and criticising Trapattoni for not including him?

Yes, as it indicates an absolute lack of awareness about the state of your players. Most people are as anxious to have Meyler in the squad as they are to have McCarthy there. The McCarthy issue is different though given the fact that he may revert to Scotland.

What is your opinion of the anomalies in the selection of the squad Tets?

[SkStu]

and he's just pulled one back for Wigan

[Razors left peg]

Question: If David Meyler starts for Sunderland this weekend (he won't, I've heard no news that he will, this is completely hypothetical), will people be campaigning for his call up and criticising Trapattoni for not including him?

I dont see what ur point is. Meyler is injured and has no hope of a call up.McCarthy is fit with 2 weeks to get even fitter before the game. As I write he has played over 80 minutes and has scored tonight. He is one of best prospect for years and one of our best Premiership players at the moment full stop. His inclusion should be a given.

[The Bunk]

and he's just pulled one back for Wigan

The mystery deepens. ;)

[tricky_colour]

He has just scored :D
Took a big deflection, but it was on target and I think he can claim the goal.

[Paddy Garcia]

I think Trap has Scottish roots & is doing all he can to return young James.

[SkStu]

and he's just pulled one back for Wigan

stick that in your database tets. :p ;)

[TrapAPony]

He is one of best prospect for years and one of our best Premiership players at the moment full stop. His inclusion should be a given.

Who needs him though when you can have Paul Green.

[Dunners]

As I said yesterday McCarthy should be included if only to gel with the squad and get familiar with the surroundings,he is by far our best prospect and the only starting prem midfielder week in week out until his injury.
The lad has had to face the wrath of a nation for declaring fur us yet Trap cant even invite him to train with the squad and
check his progress over the next couple of weeks . Its total negligence on his part if we were to lose McCarthy (I don't think we will) but this only adds fuel to the fire and aids those who would try to persuade him to reverse his decision. Unacceptable
actions of a man who doesn't seem to care about our long term aspirations

[Dunners]

As I said yesterday McCarthy should be included if only to gel with the squad and familiar with the surroundings he is by far our best prospect and the only starting prem midfielder week in week out until his injury.
The lad has had to face the wrath of a nation for declaring fur us yet Trap cant even invite him to train with the squad and
check his progress over the next couple of weeks . Its total negligence on his part if we were to lose McCarthy (I don't think we will) but this only adds fuel to the fire and aids those who would try to persuade him to reverse his decision. Unacceptable
actions of a man who doesn't seem to care about our long term aspirations

[Noelys Guitar]

Trap is going to get hammered by fans and journos asking for the real reason McCarthy is not in the squad. There is no footballing reason McCarthy can't start for us in two weeks time. None. If a new manager came in tomorrow (and I mean any manager) they would have McCarthy starting in central midfield come the Wales game. Name me one other manager who would leave McCarthy out of his squad and then continue with a midfield of Green and Whelan? Oddball Givens type stuff.

[dr_peepee]

Question: If David Meyler starts for Sunderland this weekend (he won't, I've heard no news that he will, this is completely hypothetical), will people be campaigning for his call up and criticising Trapattoni for not including him?

I'm clamoring for some degree of consistency or transparency in his selection policy. The fitness thing doesn't hold water when in the past he's included off the top of my head Andrews, Foley O'Shea and Duff whilst they were injured or had fitness issues. (The seniority of O'Shea and Duff can be argued as justification I suppose). I'm sure there's more examples though. We have to be seizing opportunities to look at other options in what are weak areas.

It appears to me that Trapp's alienating a very talented young player who operates in a position we're weak in. I hope he can justify it in some form.

He's played the whole non comittal "We're monitoring his progress" card before.

[paul_oshea]

Trap is going to get hammered by fans and journos asking for the real reason McCarthy is not in the squad. There is no footballing reason McCarthy can't start for us in two weeks time. None. If a new manager came in tomorrow (and I mean any manager) they would have McCarthy starting in central midfield come the Wales game. Name me one other manager who would leave McCarthy out of his squad and then continue with a midfield of Green and Whelan? Oddball Givens type stuff.


There is he doesn't fit into the system. can people really not read between the lines, as mentioned before?

What do people make of "he can play as no. 10", "we will continue to follow him"

Seriously?

[Colbert Report]

James did not make himself available for selection.

[The Fly]

James did not make himself available for selection.

Can you provide a source for that?

[Alf Honn]

James did not make himself available for selection.

First names terms...the suspense is killing us.