James McCarthy M free agent b.1990

[Plastic Paddy]

My god some ppl never get off this site.

That's a nice healthy dose of irony coming from the man with almost 10k posts to his name. :D

:ball: PP

[drummerboy]

Have to agree with the comment about KK being drafted into the management team once he is no longer a playing option. His attitude is inspiring to young players. Lets hope some of the younger players go on to replicate his great service.

[paul_oshea]

That's a nice healthy dose of irony coming from the man with almost 10k posts to his name. :D

PP

PP thats exactly my point :D My last one was at 12 oclock friday night around and today from my mobile at 9:00 am. :D

I think i need to start using emoticons.

The whole commercial aspect of United can get annoying, but I like their sense of continuity. I also like the way ferguson portrays a one family image too, it would be good to have kilbane around, especially if we qualify for euro 2012 would love to see him there as his swansong, in some form or other.

[Crosby87]

Poor KK we dont even talk about him in his own thread anymore.
Sniff.

[elroy]

James starts for Wigan at Liverpool today, on Setanta.

[Fergie's Son]

Ugly match but he's fit and good to see him getting his game.

[Sullivinho]

1-1. Decent point for Wigan. McCarthy played 90(+3) minutes.

[paul_oshea]

was he any good?

[boovidge]

According to Sky he made a mistake in the box which lead to the Liverpool goal.

[Sullivinho]

was he any good?

One of the few Wigan players who looked capable of controlling the ball and playing an accurate pass. Poor game, no one stood out really.

[rebelmusic]

Again confirming he's playing for us :

"
Whether the Daily Record story was true or not, it proved irrelevant as official clarification came last night as McCarthy’s agent and advisor George Gray appeared on Scottish radio, declaring that McCarthy was firmly an Irish player. “I have spoken to James and his family at great length this morning,” said Gray. “All he wants to do is concentrate on his football.
“He plays for the Republic of Ireland and has done since he was 17. He’s looking forward to an illustrious career with them and wants this put to bed once and for all.
“The FAI have been incredibly supportive towards James for a long time, so there is no way he will be jumping ship. He’s staying where he is.”
Gray also spoke to the Sun, and reiterated McCarthy’s stance: “He is 100 per cent committed to playing for the Republic of Ireland and doesn’t know where this has come from.
“He didn’t travel for the Carling Nations Cup because of a persistent ankle injury. It’s as simple as that.
“There has been no discussion between James or anyone from Scotland. Until this week it wasn’t even an issue.
“I have spoken to James and his family at great length this morning. All he wants to do is concentrate on his football.
“He plays for the Republic of Ireland and has done since he was 17. He’s looking forward to an illustrious career with them and wants this put to bed once and for all.
“The FAI have been incredibly supportive towards James for a long time, so there is no way he will be jumping ship. He’s staying where he is.”"

[Noelys Guitar]

According to Sky he made a mistake in the box which lead to the Liverpool goal.

He didn't get enough power or direction with a defensive header and the ball went directly to a Liverpool player. He seemed to slip on the ground so it was as much bad luck as bad defending but it did lead to Liverpool taking the lead. His overall play was good and as Sullivinho says his first touch and passing are top notch.

[liamoo11]

martnez saying on today fm after the game today that mccarthy will not decide until the summer who he will play for!! This seems completely at odds with his agents comments.

[Scooby Doo]

Interview with Martinez on Today FM a few mins ago. States quite clearly that McCarthy has not made up his mind who to play for, will not make that decision until the summer and will not be playing against Macedonia! Heard it on radio so sorry, no link.

FFS I thought this sh!te was over and done with.

[Scooby Doo]

Looks like Trap wasn't as far off the mark as we all thought. I am sensing the mischievous hand of Roberto Martinez in this. Just a hunch.

[paul_oshea]

Martinez is covering himself here into that he doesn't want any speculation or anything distraction from James and wigans plight.but by saying that he is only making things worse.

[Scooby Doo]

Agreed Paul. Taking a strong dislike to Martinez. Spoke in glowing terms, in what I'd describe as a somewhat smug tone, about James McCarthy and all he is going to achieve in the game and how international football will be an illustrious chapter of his career - but importantly, Ireland or Scotland will have to wait to see who he chooses.

I may have this slightly wrong as I was listening to this while driving but he also said something along the lines of 'Wigan has been the only source of support for James'. Like WTF, only yesterday George Gray was quoted as saying the FAI have been excellent in their support of James.

I'm wondering if the upcoming game against Scotland has anything to do with it, ie. McCarthy wants to avoid playing against the Scot (or us!!!) and this is a way of doing that as well as keeping Martinez a happy bunny. Granted however, all he would have to do is feign an injury if this was the case I suppose.

[SkStu]

ah FFS. Enough of this sh1te.

[elroy]

Interview with Martinez on Today FM a few mins ago. States quite clearly that McCarthy has not made up his mind who to play for, will not make that decision until the summer and will not be playing against Macedonia! Heard it on radio so sorry, no link.

FFS I thought this sh!te was over and done with.


Heard the interview and your correct on what you said above with the exception that Martinez did not mention anything about him not playing against Macedonia. He just said that James was focussing on his club football and would decide on his international position in the future. Trap should call him up for that game, if he refuses that call then its cause to be seriously worried. Otherwise Im happy to believe his agent, we have no reason to doubt his commitment.

Watched a good bit of the game, thought he played well, showed for the ball in midfield picking it up well from the defenders (something noticeably absent in our midfield). He was skinned for the cross for the goal if iirc.

[Sullivinho]

Taking a strong dislike to Martinez.

The same Martinez who married a Scot and seems to be assembling a squad of them at Wigan? ;)

Gray and Martinez's comments seriously at odds. Some clarity is desperately needed.

[Scooby Doo]

Heard the interview and your correct on what you said above with the exception that Martinez did not mention anything about him not playing against Macedonia. He just said that James was focussing on his club football and would decide on his international position in the future. Trap should call him up for that game, if he refuses that call then its cause to be seriously worried. Otherwise Im happy to believe his agent, we have no reason to doubt his commitment.

Watched a good bit of the game, thought he played well, showed for the ball in midfield picking it up well from the defenders (something noticeably absent in our midfield). He was skinned for the cross for the goal if iirc.
Ok apologies for this. I tuned into the interview mid-way through. However on the six o clock news and sport report on Today FM, just following that interview, it was clearly stated that McCarthy will not play against Macedonia.

When is that squad to be announced anyone?

[Yard of Pace]

Longest thread ever on a player before they've even played a competitive senior international for us....? :D

[tetsujin1979]

When is that squad to be announced anyone?
the game is the 26th March, so I'd expect it to be announced around the 14th

[theworm2345]

Martinez always had a very tough time releasing Jason Scotland to play for Trinidad and Tobago when Scotland played under him at Swansea and Wigan as well. I think he may have had a hand in keeping Darren Pratley from playing for Jamaica too.

[AlaskaFox]

Again confirming he's playing for us :

"
Whether the Daily Record story was true or not, it proved irrelevant as official clarification came last night as McCarthy’s agent and advisor George Gray appeared on Scottish radio, declaring that McCarthy was firmly an Irish player. “I have spoken to James and his family at great length this morning,” said Gray. “All he wants to do is concentrate on his football.
“He plays for the Republic of Ireland and has done since he was 17. He’s looking forward to an illustrious career with them and wants this put to bed once and for all.
“The FAI have been incredibly supportive towards James for a long time, so there is no way he will be jumping ship. He’s staying where he is.”
Gray also spoke to the Sun, and reiterated McCarthy’s stance: “He is 100 per cent committed to playing for the Republic of Ireland and doesn’t know where this has come from.
“He didn’t travel for the Carling Nations Cup because of a persistent ankle injury. It’s as simple as that.
“There has been no discussion between James or anyone from Scotland. Until this week it wasn’t even an issue.
“I have spoken to James and his family at great length this morning. All he wants to do is concentrate on his football.
“He plays for the Republic of Ireland and has done since he was 17. He’s looking forward to an illustrious career with them and wants this put to bed once and for all.
“The FAI have been incredibly supportive towards James for a long time, so there is no way he will be jumping ship. He’s staying where he is.”"

That's the Greenscene piece from Friday.

As for the Martinez stuff - shut up you tool. Why would you want to bring back up the speculation about your player, as it'd interfere further with his club games, you'd have to imagine. Keeping it quiet and off the radar should be his main priority.

[Scooby Doo]

That's the Greenscene piece from Friday.

As for the Martinez stuff - shut up you tool. Why would you want to bring back up the speculation about your player, as it'd interfere further with his club games, you'd have to imagine. Keeping it quiet and off the radar should be his main priority.
Another theory might be that the constant headlines about McCarthy ( ie. constant a tug of war between two countries for his services) are keeping him in the news and could possibly increase Wigan's bargining capability should/when a bigger team comes enquiring about him in the summer. Should he continue to fulfill his potential, it won't be long before he moves on. This continuous speculation about his future arguably increases his profile and may contribute to boosting Wigan's potential profit.

Or maybe Martinez is just a tool.

[AlaskaFox]

That's true Scooby, but you'd think the speculation would hinder his on-pitch ability. Staying up is more important than any possible profit they might make on one player.

Anyhow, this man is to blame for today's nonsense:
https://twitter.com/#!/nathanmurf/status/36479905147392000

Just been talking to Roberto Martinez about James McCarthy, hopefully be on Today Fm in before 6 #irl (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23irl)

Idiot.

[Stuttgart88]

I reckon Martinez is just giving a stock answer, the main jist of which is that for now his club career takes precedence and his international career can wait (and so too can any decisions, IF any needs to be made).

[elroy]

As for the Martinez stuff - shut up you tool. Why would you want to bring back up the speculation about your player, as it'd interfere further with his club games, you'd have to imagine. Keeping it quiet and off the radar should be his main priority.

Perhaps, but I think the Irish media have alot to answer on this matter this week. Constant questioning on the matter when we have had no real reason to doubt James' commitment. Even more so now that his agent has reaffirmed it. So why do they continue to ask the same question?!?

Of course Traps poor communication skills has added to the whole mess as well.

[Predator]

Perhaps, but I think the Irish media have alot to answer on this matter this week.Controversy sells newspapers.

[Sullivinho]

Here's a transcript of the Martinez interview from TodayFM.com (http://media.todayfm.com/listenback/):

Martinez: We always said that until the summer he's not going to think about international football and in that respect he's such a mature boy. Just try and see what he can do on the pitch. It's just a sign of a phenomenal footballer and whoever he's going to represent, whatever country he's going to represent, they're going to be a very fortunate nation.

Murphy: You say he's not going to make a decision until the summer. Is that something that might dog the club over the next few weeks? Because there's a huge amount of speculation in Ireland that he might turn his back on Ireland and play for Scotland. Would it not be better if it was just sorted out in the next couple of weeks?

Martinez: We're going to do what's best for James McCarthy and what's best for Wigan Athletic. We want to help James and make sure that everyone understands that he can not be forced into a decision. He is a player that gives his all when he represents a team and at the moment, in the last three months, it's been really really tough for him. He hasn't been able to enjoy his football and all he wants to do now is to get stronger, to get fit and enjoy every single minute that he's got on the pitch and the international issue is going to be a little bit further down the line and it's only fair that we respect James and help him. To represent a country has to be a feeling, to be a passion, and that's something that he has to find inside himself.

Murphy: So do you think there won't be a decision in the next few weeks, that he's not going to make up his mind until the summer, and he won't play for either country until the summer?

Martinez: I don't think so, no. I think it's something that goes down to the family, to the friends and himself. And I think it's very unfair now to a young man whose career has gone from strength to strength, only 20, to put him under that pressure. I think James wants to keep his place on the team, he wants to regenerate his body, he's had a few injuries and a few knocks and he's a young man that is still growing. International duty is going to be an exciting chapter of his career but it's something that we need to allow him some time to think about what's his real feeling about representing the right country.

Murphy: You speak very highly of him. Were you surprised that Giovanni Trapattoni was questioning his motivation during the week? And the motivation of young players in general?

Martinez: Well I don't know what's Mr. Trapattoni's version. I know James, I know the way he's been looking after his body. He's a role professional. He's someone that at only 20 has started 40 games in the Barclay's Premier League and he's been playing first team football since he was 15. I can guarantee that he's a gem of a human being but is a special footballer. He'll make the right decision.

Murphy: It'l be a brave decision to switch from Ireland to Scotland..

Martinez: Honestly, he doesn't think that way. At the moment he doesn't feel ready to make a decision on his international career. I think in the past he's only been focussed on getting himself back, getting himself fit and he's never had support from anyone else apart from Wigan Athletic and I think at the moment he wants to repay that feeling and we have to respect him.

[The Fly]

Reading between the lines........."I don't want James to be playing any international football this season - we're in a fight to avoid relegation!"

[Fergie's Son]

The sooner we all move on the better. I'd love Jamie to play for us and commit to Ireland but if heart isn't in it then good luck and farewell. I have no interest in a player, no matter how talented, being begged or bribed to play for my country.

[Crosby87]

He needs to be called up for the Macedonia game and play in it. That really needs to happen.

[boovidge]

If the interviewer was on the ball he would have mentioned the fact that McCarthy's agent has recently said that McCarthy is 100% commited to representing Ireland and would have asked which one (agent or Martinez) was wrong.

[The Fly]

I wonder if there any bookmakers offering odds on this 'tug-of-war'?

[Scooby Doo]

Here's a transcript of the Martinez interview from TodayFM.com (http://media.todayfm.com/listenback/):

Martinez: We always said that until the summer he's not going to think about international football and in that respect he's such a mature boy. Just try and see what he can do on the pitch. It's just a sign of a phenomenal footballer and whoever he's going to represent, whatever country he's going to represent, they're going to be a very fortunate nation.

Murphy: You say he's not going to make a decision until the summer. Is that something that might dog the club over the next few weeks? Because there's a huge amount of speculation in Ireland that he might turn his back on Ireland and play for Scotland. Would it not be better if it was just sorted out in the next couple of weeks?

Martinez: We're going to do what's best for James McCarthy and what's best for Wigan Athletic. We want to help James and make sure that everyone understands that he can not be forced into a decision. He is a player that gives his all when he represents a team and at the moment, in the last three months, it's been really really tough for him. He hasn't been able to enjoy his football and all he wants to do now is to get stronger, to get fit and enjoy every single minute that he's got on the pitch and the international issue is going to be a little bit further down the line and it's only fair that we respect James and help him. To represent a country has to be a feeling, to be a passion, and that's something that he has to find inside himself.

Murphy: So do you think there won't be a decision in the next few weeks, that he's not going to make up his mind until the summer, and he won't play for either country until the summer?

Martinez: I don't think so, no. I think it's something that goes down to the family, to the friends and himself. And I think it's very unfair now to a young man whose career has gone from strength to strength, only 20, to put him under that pressure. I think James wants to keep his place on the team, he wants to regenerate his body, he's had a few injuries and a few knocks and he's a young man that is still growing. International duty is going to be an exciting chapter of his career but it's something that we need to allow him some time to think about what's his real feeling about representing the right country.

Murphy: You speak very highly of him. Were you surprised that Giovanni Trapattoni was questioning his motivation during the week? And the motivation of young players in general?

Martinez: Well I don't know what's Mr. Trapattoni's version. I know James, I know the way he's been looking after his body. He's a role professional. He's someone that at only 20 has started 40 games in the Barclay's Premier League and he's been playing first team football since he was 15. I can guarantee that he's a gem of a human being but is a special footballer. He'll make the right decision.

Murphy: It'l be a brave decision to switch from Ireland to Scotland..

Martinez: Honestly, he doesn't think that way. At the moment he doesn't feel ready to make a decision on his international career. I think in the past he's only been focussed on getting himself back, getting himself fit and he's never had support from anyone else apart from Wigan Athletic and I think at the moment he wants to repay that feeling and we have to respect him.
I reckon Martinez just has the horn for our James!

[The Fly]

Jaysus, sounds like Martinez has the horn for our James!

You may be right - Roberto Martinez comments raise new hopes of Scots netting Roberto McCarthy (http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Roberto-Martinez-comments-raise-new.6717166.jp)

"Roberto" McCarthy?.....maybe he wants him to play for Spain. :D

[CraftyToePoke]

We don´t know anything about the other 4, and if it takes selling the idea of playing for Ireland to convince them, then I´m not interested or bothered. If you are, then so be it.

I have never advocated the need to sell the idea of playing for Ireland, Geysir, to any player. Just commenting on Traps verbal shortcomings, well documemted ones and even admitted to by himself when he offered to basically shut up on the McCarthy isssue the other day. If he can lose us a guy like that, and he still might, who put up with God knows what abuse in Scotland in order to play for us, its not too far a stretch that he might not have best handled other dealings also.

[The Fly]

I wonder if there any bookmakers offering odds on this 'tug-of-war'?

I'd be very grateful if any of foot.ie's resident gamblers could find this out. ;)

[Scooby Doo]

In all seriousness, I'm gettin a bit fed up at this stage. I reckon that McCarthy is committed to Ireland, that Martinez is just a sh!tstirring weasel with his own agenda and that JM'C will enjoy a successful career with Ireland. That siad, if it does turn out to be the case that he rejects a call up next month then I think he should be told thanks, but no thanks. No player is worth this bullsh!it. International football is an honour that should remain separate from the insincerity and self-centredness of club football.

Also, if this is the kind of bollo'x that Trap has been fed all week from Wigan then I think he deserves apologies from many who scathingly criticised him in recent days.

[tetsujin1979]

In all seriousness, I'm gettin a bit fed up at this stage. I reckon that McCarthy is committed to Ireland, that Martinez is just a sh!tstirring weasel with his own agenda and that JM'C will enjoy a successful career with Ireland. That siad, if it does turn out to be the case that he rejects a call up next month then I think he should be told thanks, but no thanks. No player is worth this bullsh!it. International football is an honour that should remain separate from the insincerity and self-centredness of club football.

Also, if this is the kind of bollo'x that Trap has been fed all week from Wigan then I think he deserves apologies from many who scathingly criticised him in recent days.
What he said, basically.
There's been little, if any, comment on this from any of the parties concerned (Trapattoni, Martinez, McCarthy himself) until asked by the media. You have to imagine that, unless pressed, none of the parties concerned would have said anything.
I'm forced to ask, why the sudden concern about McCarthy? Why not 6 months ago at the end of the 2009/2010 season? His withdrawal then was barely mentioned.
For whatever reason, the Irish press have seized on this as the latest stick with which to beat the manager of the national side, after realising that the omission of Andy Reid was something noone wanted to read about and interest in Paul Green as a starting player lasted as long as it took to start Keith Fahey instead of him
So, after some leading questions to senior members of the squad, and some unanswerable questions ("what is he thinking?", etc) to the management team the fourth estate has a new bugbear.
One statement from McCarthy's representative later, and they still want more. It's almost as if they're taking notes from the treatment of Capello across the Irish Sea...

[Sullivinho]

I reckon that McCarthy is committed to Ireland

I'm of the same opinion, mind you it's based entirely on what I've previously read from, and about the guy. The impression I get is of a real level-headed type who knows exactly what he wants and playing for Ireland was/is an ambition. He's been known to have the FAI release a reaffirmation on his behalf (having been courted by then Scotland manager George Burley), reputedly had a courtesy meeting with Craig Levein when he took the job and politely declined his offer. When this thing first blew up last week, my concern was that there'd been a souring in relations between him and Trap, not an international u-turn.

Unless someone saw fit to make up a bunch of quotes and attribute them to him (Unlike Martinez, I haven't actually heard any recording of his comments), George Gray (advisor/agent) said last week "He is 100 per cent committed to playing for the Republic of Ireland and doesn’t know where this has come from." The 'this' in question being the possibility of him playing for Scotland. Well, one source has been revealed: Roberto Martinez. It was most definitely coming from him yesterday.

The question is, has James inspired those comments or is Martinez really s**tstirring, intentional or otherwise. If the guy was really having doubts, would he want it made public like that? Wouldn't he inform his current assosciation of this predicament? Calling him up for the Macedonia game would no doubt meet Martinez's criteria for forcing the player into a decision. Going back to my perception of the player himself, I'd be surprised if he'd let any potential wavering for his manager to casually announce like that. He's been with the FAI for what, four years now? Including a senior appearance against Brazil. A penny for his thoughts when he hears what Martinez had to say.

[Charlie Darwin]

In all seriousness, I'm gettin a bit fed up at this stage. I reckon that McCarthy is committed to Ireland, that Martinez is just a sh!tstirring weasel with his own agenda and that JM'C will enjoy a successful career with Ireland. That siad, if it does turn out to be the case that he rejects a call up next month then I think he should be told thanks, but no thanks. No player is worth this bullsh!it. International football is an honour that should remain separate from the insincerity and self-centredness of club football.

Also, if this is the kind of bollo'x that Trap has been fed all week from Wigan then I think he deserves apologies from many who scathingly criticised him in recent days.
It's worth pointing out that the player has caused none of this controversy. He's been called up for several squads and has either shown up or been injured. He's never given any indication he's thinking of changing nationalities and has stated the opposite on several occasions. The entire circus that has taken place has happened without the player's input at any stage.

[LFCSixty/Eighty]

When this thing first blew up last week, my concern was that there'd been a souring in relations between him and Trap, not an international u-turn.

I think there has been a souring in relations between the manager and player and that it started when he was snubbed for the Andorra game after he has pulled out of the friendlies against Paraguay etc last summer. I think everyone acknowledges he was punished for this which obviously pi**ed McCarthy off, Trap even made reference to this last week when was speaking to the media about his lack of commitment.

Something has to be done to protect our interests, when there are people in Wigan obviously battling for Scotlands. I feel someone from the FAI that whom he trusts should go and speak to him. There should be no big hullaballo about it and should be done on the quiet. We need to try and get to the bottom of his concerns. Why is it suddenly an issue, after all, he could have easily switched back long before this?

We need cool heads here and for this exact reason Trap (who I feel is the cause of this situation) should not be allowed to attend this meeting. If McCarthy has fallen out with Trap then its needs to be resolved, otherwise I think we could be facing the worst possible outcome :(

[Scooby Doo]

Taken from the McCarthy thread on YBIG.

Posted today @ 11.03 by Howdo: Right lads you can take this whatever way ye want - i.e believe it or not

I have just go an email from James' cousin in Glasgow - this is completely genuine as I dont believe in spouting rubbish - basically I asked her if he was switching and here is her response

"No he is staying with ireland. People were spreading lies james has no intention of leaving ireland . It is just papers saying that stuff not james . James is proud of his irish roots as am I and all our family "

ye can take this whatever way ye want but I can assure you it's genuine

[paul_oshea]

Ok so we have actually heard martinez, was mccarthys agent on any radio or did anyone actually hear what he said as opposed to what has been read?

From what martinez is saying, if any of it is true, then i cant see him playing for us until the summer at least.,

[CraftyToePoke]

From what martinez is saying, if any of it is true, then i cant see him playing for us until the summer at least.,

I think he might not be playing for us under Trap, and we will have been very lucky if he doesnt pursue the Scotland option. Just a feeling I get, he doesnt want to play for Scotland but not for Trap either maybe.

Sadlier in The Indo today, on Trap in general if the ''Who are you'' comment is true its a sad sad day http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/players-becoming-alienated-by-traps-daft-comments-2538034.html

[brine3]

"Who are you?" is something I can imagine Brian Clough saying to his own players, while knowing full well who he is.

Trap isn't one of the most successful managers in the history of football for nothing, you know.

[LFCSixty/Eighty]

I think he might not be playing for us under Trap, and we will have been very lucky if he doesnt pursue the Scotland option. Just a feeling I get, he doesnt want to play for Scotland but not for Trap either maybe.

Sadlier in The Indo today, on Trap in general if the ''Who are you'' comment is true its a sad sad day http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/players-becoming-alienated-by-traps-daft-comments-2538034.html

Have to say i've been impressed by Richie Sadliers in the articles he writes and lately anytime i've seen him on TV. He is well able to speak his mind and get across his opinion. He also seems to be speaking from a players point of view and while I agree it should an honour etc to play for 'your' country, he also understands you sometimes have to pander to these players ego's.

I'm not saying McCarthy has an ego but he must feel wanted by a manager, when it seems clear Trap seems to feel he's lucky to be called into the squad while Scotland seem to be promising him anything he wants. This is obviously at the root of the problem.

Vincent Hogan said recently that Trap may feel it beneath him to go and try and convince McCarthy to play for us. After all, he has people falling at his feet for the last 40 years. For 1.7 million a year, going to Wigan to tell McCarthy he thinks the sun shines out of his ar*e should be the least he's expected to do.