James McCarthy M free agent b.1990

[Yard of Pace]

[QUOTE=joe_denilson;1661768]
Good young central midfielder who is excelling at Wigan due to lots of game time.
QUOTE]

The first line of that report should be printed out, duplicated, and handed out to every Irish schoolboy who ever is considering offers from Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United et al.

If McCarthy had taken Liverpool's offer, I don't think he'd be anywhere near the Irish first XI right now. Squad maybe, but not a starter, as he is now.

[geysir]

He got 2 excels in that blurb. He excels and is excelling.
Good point with him and McArthur, it's becoming clearer that him and Whelan don't gel so good.

[Roberto]

The simple fact is you will never see the best of McCarthy while Trap is in charge. He has been excellent for Wigan this season while distinctly average for Ireland and it is very easy to work out why. Wigan's game suits him while with Ireland the game passes him by. The positive is that he is still young while Trap won't be around too much longer.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Good young central midfielder who is excelling at Wigan due to lots of game time.


The first line of that report should be printed out, duplicated, and handed out to every Irish schoolboy who ever is considering offers from Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United et al.

If McCarthy had taken Liverpool's offer, I don't think he'd be anywhere near the Irish first XI right now. Squad maybe, but not a starter, as he is now.

Then, maybe. What about now?

[Charlie Darwin]

Chelsea's pre match scouting report on Wigan got leaked http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/10/article-2276641-1778F134000005DC-117_632x844.jpg

Here's what they had to say about McCarthy:

Good young central midfielder who is excelling at Wigan due to lots of game time. Excels at maintaining possession and build up play, but lacks ability in final third. Two footed player who always gives his teammates an option. He's in a position which requires a decent level of tackling, which is one flaw in his game; don't be afraid to run at him. Overall, a player with real potential and flourishes when playing alongside McArthur.

Hard to argue with that.
Fake, apparently: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/2013/feb/12/daily-mail-own-goal-chelsea-scouting?CMP=twt_fd

[tricky_colour]

He had a cracking shot v Everton, which lead to a corner from which they scored.
Scored another 2 in the next few minutes making it 3-0 never seen Wigan play so well.
Cracking game.

[tricky_colour]

Gibson on for Fellani to give a boost to the midfield. :O|

[liamoo11]

Gibson on for Fellani to give a boost to the midfield. :O|

Anyone who thinks fellani is the key for everton and not gibson got their answer clearly today. Fellani is a show pony who wouldnt control lassie not to mind a topclass midfield

[DeLorean]

Is it not possible to have two key players? Not that I rate Gibbo as key but some do.

[Crosby87]

James: I want to stay in the starting team
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2297860/James-McCarthy-delivers-warning-Giovanni-Trapattoni-helping-Republic-Ireland-0-0-Sweden.html

[Bungle]

It would be absolutely criminal for James not to start against Austria. We need to start building our team around this lad, because by the time of the Euro 2016 qualifiers, he could be our most important player. I do accept that he needs to become more vocal in the team, but I've seen him being very vocal for Wigan, so the more games he has with us, the more influential I would expect him to become. Along with Wilson and Clark, we could be looking at a few young lads who could be our future captains.

[Paddy Garcia]

We have got more than we deserved here - the injury to Whelan bailing Trap out.

[ArdeeBhoy]

This was the first game where I felt he actually stood out, which is why we need to dispense with Trap, as he's more likely to include Whelan given half a chance....

[Fixer82]

Whelan in for Green from what I'm hearing

[Crosby87]

Buckle your seat belts before you read this one, Trap all over the map on Fuchs, saying he will punch McCarthy in the face if he doesn't get more assertive, etc....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2299014/James-McCarthy-shy--Giovanni-Trapattoni.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[BonnieShels]

I heard the actual press conference and in no way was it threatening. Don't worry about it Crosby.

[tetsujin1979]

the independent claims he was joking: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/trapattoni-challenges-mccarthy-to-put-austria-on-the-ropes-29153396.html

He joked that he would punch midfielder James McCarthy if he didn’t impose himself on the game

[NeverFeltBetter]

That cannot be anything other than a joke.

[DannyInvincible]

I know some read into Trap's comparison of Paul Green's role to that of Gatusso/Stiles as if he were seriously comparing their levels of ability, but surely people aren't interpreting this as anything other than a tongue-in-cheek remark...

[Crosby87]

Oh i know it was a joke i just thought his method was kind of weird. i guess he was relishing the attention of the Austrian journos?

[Sullivinho]

Sure how much impact could a pensioner's punch have anyway?

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9s4j4Cl311remcdno1_400.gif

[tricky_colour]

Can anyone explain McCarthy positioning for the second goal?
Not sure if I have got it right but he seems to have been half way up the pitch leaving our defence, as in the centre of midfield massively exposed.
So they had an extra man in central midfield (ie right in front of our goal). Initially I though he was in position but having seen it in HD it seems that was Whelan.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmTUCXZ0i5s

If you stop this at 2.46 you can see out back line of coleman o shea sledge wilson, than a next line of 3 of green, whelan and mcclean, then a line of two of mccarthy and walters.

Seems all wrong, what is mccarthy doing up there ahead of walters?
Look how exposed we are , they have 4 against 3 right in front of goal, Coleman seems to wide, there is a player inside him, but he is concerned about the player out wide, as is whelan, although green is marking him. WHelan has just vacated the goal scorer.
I am not sure what happened prior to this but there is one minute to go, it's expect use to have plenty of men back and all their player marked but they seem to have bags of space and options.
When the goal is scored McCarthy is in the position of a striker.
Don't know how we got so out of shape.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Just before this McCarthy had cleared the ball out. At the very start of that passage of play (right after they cut from the Austrian manager), McCarthy's gone forward to chase down the Austrian defender who heads the ball forward, leaving McCarthy in the lurch. He's tried to put pressure on the opposition (like the CM's were doing occasionally tonight) and was caught out of position. He literally cleared the ball a metre or two from where Abala would take his shot, and 5 seconds later he was closer to the centre line chasing down when he should have stayed put.

He tracks back but just stops dead though, even before Abala had let fly. Like Sammon, somewhere back in the centre circle, he's dead on his feet.

Edit: I think you can even see Walters pointing out the gap at 2.46.

[bishbash]

They were out numbered in midfield for 25 mins of the 2nd half, it's where Austria got most joy. Keeping 2 up was ridiculous, we were so deep that we couldn't get anywhere near supporting the front 2. Even the front 2 were 60 yards apart. We just needed to shore up the gaps in midfield and see the game out. You couldn't blame either Midfielder for bein outnumbered.

[SwanVsDalton]

They were out numbered in midfield for 25 mins of the 2nd half, it's where Austria got most joy. Keeping 2 up was ridiculous, we were so deep that we couldn't get anywhere near supporting the front 2. Even the front 2 were 60 yards apart. We just needed to shore up the gaps in midfield and see the game out. You couldn't blame either Midfielder for bein outnumbered.

Even being outnumbered, we were fairly comfortable until we started to panic uncontrollably in the last five minutes or so. With about two minutes to go, McCarthy picked the ball up in the middle of the park in space and, without taking a touch, boomed it straight to the Austrian keeper. Our most proficient player. Seemed to me the panic contagion was catching on at that stage.

Given our lack of experience, a third midfielder was vital to help ease nerves and add composure as much as anything else.

[tricky_colour]

They were out numbered in midfield for 25 mins of the 2nd half, it's where Austria got most joy. Keeping 2 up was ridiculous, we were so deep that we couldn't get anywhere near supporting the front 2. Even the front 2 were 60 yards apart. We just needed to shore up the gaps in midfield and see the game out. You couldn't blame either Midfielder for bein outnumbered.


Well if we were out numbered that is even less reason to go hareing up the pitch.
I missed the last few minutes unfortunate, the most important bit of the match.
Seems with out me watching they lost their head :p


One thing is bugging me and that is Traps threat to punch McCarthy, I think this may have
unbalanced him and pushed him out of his comfort zone affecting his decision making.

I really need to get a download of the full match especially the last few mins.

[OwlsFan]

The second goal from what I remember started with an aimless punt by McCarthy down the side channel. Ok, can't single him out for that one since it was par for the course except I suppose we expect more from him. But the real question as mentioned earlier was who left the Austrian free in front of goal? The attack came down the left and Green had his man covered. Whelan I think came out to support him. Did Whelan think that McCarthy was minding his back or was it Whelan's fault for being drawn to the ball? Such mistakes decide games at this level.

[tricky_colour]

Even being outnumbered, we were fairly comfortable until we started to panic uncontrollably in the last five minutes or so. With about two minutes to go, McCarthy picked the ball up in the middle of the park in space and, without taking a touch, boomed it straight to the Austrian keeper. Our most proficient player. Seemed to me the panic contagion was catching on at that stage.

Given our lack of experience, a third midfielder was vital to help ease nerves and add composure as much as anything else.

I miss that bit, but it sounds to me a bit like he lost his head in the last few minutes.
Could have done with Paul Green in the centre, more experienced.

[tricky_colour]

The second goal from what I remember started with an aimless punt by McCarthy down the side channel. Ok, can't single him out for that one since it was par for the course except I suppose we expect more from him. But the real question as mentioned earlier was who left the Austrian free in front of goal? The attack came down the left and Green had his man covered. Whelan I think came out to support him. Did Whelan think that McCarthy was minding his back or was it Whelan's fault for being drawn to the ball? Such mistakes decide games at this level.


Whelan was left in a very tricky position, it is basically 5 Austrians v 4 Irish at the back and Coleman has two advancing towards him
Whelan can see the danger of this can moves cover it but Green has him cover anyway as it turn out but doing do means he has vacated the scorer
in a central position.
But it all stems from McCarthy being half way up the pitch. I mean if we did have 5 v 4 in midfield it's now 5 v 3!

[Stuttgart88]

Watching Tricky's video footage was like watching clips of Italia 90 again, keeper gritting teeth, big kick, header on, goal. I loved the German commentary "...mit kick and rush"!

[tricky_colour]

At last I have found the build up to the last goal


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_cfAXjSujk

Not really had a look at it myself yet so will comment later.

[geysir]

Apart from normal curiosity, i don't see the point of forensic analysis of who was where, when the last goal was scored.

That we could have managed to beat Austria at home playing the crudest form of football currently on the International scene, if only we played the last 5 minutes, doesn't justify the means.

[tricky_colour]

Well I have watched it several times now and they score every time.

[geysir]

Well I have watched it several times now and they score every time.
And what have you learned apart from they score every time?

[tricky_colour]

Apart from normal curiosity, i don't see the point of forensic analysis of who was where, when the last goal was scored.

That we could have managed to beat Austria at home playing the crudest form of football currently on the International scene, if only we played the last 5 minutes, doesn't justify the means.


I think you have to analyse and learn from your mistakes,

But I am not very good at explaining it and you might think I lack a 'certain credibility' in which case
I think you should watch the video here were Billie Davis who has just won 6 games in a row
explains it better than I can.

And remember he was done this with a couple of player who can't make the Ireland team!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21801109

Hull 1-2 Nottm Forest
Nottm Forest 3-1 Wolves
Nottm Forest 1-0 Ipswich
Sheff Wed 0-1 Nottm Forest
Charlton 0-2 Nottm Forest
Nottm Forest 6-1 Huddersfield


I woudl add he lost his first game in charge, and drew the second before going on a six game
winning streak.

I mean you have obviously done your own analysis (but not presented it) otherwise you woudl not be able to
make a statement such as "playing the crudest form of football".

I mean really you need to elaborate on what it is that is crude about our game.
That's the first step to making improvements.

[tricky_colour]

And what have you learned apart from they score every time?


How disorganised we were and the folly of McCarthy chasing that ball out when he is not going to get there
in time, Paul Green starts chasing it but pulls back when he realises he won't get the ball. OK McCarthy was closer
to getting the ball but none the less if he does not get there he leave a big hole in the defence.
I think you could criticise a number of players in the video, but at this late stage in the game surely defence has
to be top priority.

I mean we had defended OK for 45 minutes but it seems we lost it in those final few minutes.

[geysir]

I think you have to analyse and learn from your mistakes,

But I am not very good at explaining it and you might think I lack a 'certain credibility' in which case
I think you should watch the video here were Billie Davis who has just won 6 games in a row
explains it better than I can.

And remember he was done this with a couple of player who can't make the Ireland team!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21801109

Hull 1-2 Nottm Forest
Nottm Forest 3-1 Wolves
Nottm Forest 1-0 Ipswich
Sheff Wed 0-1 Nottm Forest
Charlton 0-2 Nottm Forest
Nottm Forest 6-1 Huddersfield


I woudl add he lost his first game in charge, and drew the second before going on a six game
winning streak.

I mean you have obviously done your own analysis (but not presented it) otherwise you woudl not be able to
make a statement such as "playing the crudest form of football".

I mean really you need to elaborate on what it is that is crude about our game.
That's the first step to making improvements.
Do I have to elaborate on what is crude about our game?

It's simple, we didn't lose the leading position just because of some piece of attacking play which found our midfield at 6s and 7s in the final minute.
Analysing the last piece of play, looking for ways to improve a defunct football strategy is a futile exercise, imo. The manager made a change late in the second half which didn't attempt to rectify what most could see and refused to make other decisions, all added up to leaving a bedraggled midfield in a worse situation and more susceptible to a sucker punch. And of all the sucker punches we have taken over the years, this one was thoroughly deserved.

[tricky_colour]

One of the things which worried me a bit was Trap saying he was going to punch James McCarthy.
I think this may have forced James to play out of his comfort zone leading to errors of judgement.

It's one thing saying players need to do so and so but it they don't have the capacity to play that way
and try to then it's gonna be problematic.

Anyhow we have plenty of time to sort things out before the crucial games between Sweden and Austria.

[tetsujin1979]

One of the things which worried me a bit was Trap saying he was going to punch James McCarthy.
I think this may have forced James to play out of his comfort zone leading to errors of judgement.

It's one thing saying players need to do so and so but it they don't have the capacity to play that way
and try to then it's gonna be problematic.

Anyhow we have plenty of time to sort things out before the crucial games between Sweden and Austria.that's the second time you posted about that
you do know he was joking, right?

[Charlie Darwin]

you do know he was joking, right?
I'll reserve judgement until I see James' physical condition on Saturday.

[paul_oshea]

tets he isnt taking the line literally but that he is suggesting by trap talking like this and initially not going to play him its like mccarthy felt he needed to play the way trap wanted/expected him to play which was out of his comfort zone.

i think its a very good theory and a fair reason for his questionable positioning at time.

[Charlie Darwin]

I thought Trap's reasoning behind punching James was the opposite reason, to force him to be proactive and express himself rather than being meek and over-cautious.

[tricky_colour]

that's the second time you posted about that
you do know he was joking, right?

Many a true word is spoken in jest ;)

He will probably get a good punch when Trap reviews the video of the last goal :D

[tricky_colour]

I thought Trap's reasoning behind punching James was the opposite reason, to force him to be proactive and express himself rather than being meek and over-cautious.


But this was something I was alluding too, confidence comes from ability and Trap is pressuring him
to be more confident on the pitch when he is not really capable of playing that roll with out costly
blunders.

I mean presumably James has tried being more confident on the pitch in the past with none
too good results. Had he Roy Keanes ability he would probably be a lot more confident.
Possibly even an arrogant bar steward. :)

[tricky_colour]

Having said all that the two draws do not really change much, the just kick the can a bit further down the road,
it's the remaining games between Austria and Sweden that matter.

I feel a little better about the incident having seen it in context, but it just struck me it is rare
to see James so far up the pitch, normally when I have watched him in the past he not at all keen
to get forward.

[paul_oshea]

i think we are almost in agreememt but looking from two different angles - im looking at the right angle :D Asking him to play with confidence is not going to put him out of position but asking him to be proactive and assertive might make james lose his head a bit and run around chasing everything. It would certainly hold water on the last goal.

[SwanVsDalton]

tets he isnt taking the line literally but that he is suggesting by trap talking like this and initially not going to play him its like mccarthy felt he needed to play the way trap wanted/expected him to play which was out of his comfort zone.

i think its a very good theory and a fair reason for his questionable positioning at time.

Can't really see it to be honest. Firstly I'd say the 'express yourself' message came from Ireland being on the ball ie James should get on it, set the tempo etc. Without the ball it stands to reason McCarthy's positioning should be disciplined. I'd find it hard to believe any manager, especially Trap The System, would encourage him to play like that without telling him to watch his position when we don't have the ball.

Second if James had an iota of common sense he wouldn't be thinking that way in the final moments anyway. Really it wouldn't be the time or place. If this was the case I think it'd reflect quite badly on the player, as well as manager, to be honest. I think McCarthy's got more about him than that. Sure he's a young guy looking to please his manager but, still, if McCarthy was feeling the pressure to act he'd have a good idea of how and when to do it. Think he was just caught out of position imo.

Edit - Also just about a minute previously McCarthy had, uncharacteristically, booted the ball first time back to the Austrian keeper from about halfway, even though he had plenty of time. Doesn't seem like a guy looking to please the manager so much as a guy losing his composure, with his teammates, at a crucial moment.

Also would the way Trap asked him to play be out of comfort zone? Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are, but I'd have thought most here would say James has the potential in him to dominate a game.

[tricky_colour]

Unfortunately I have not seen the bit where he boots the ball away.
It seems everything happening in the last few minutes my stream stopped working in.

[tricky_colour]

http://www.joe.ie/home/pic-of-the-day/remember-that-james-mccarthy-tackle-against-austria-look-at-the-state-of-the-other-guys-leg-0035924-1

Results of McCarthy tackle on the Austrian Zlatko Junuzovic

http://www.joe.ie/uploads/s/35/924//zlatkoknee.jpg



http://s2.jrnl.ie/media/2013/03/fj9zequ.gif

[NeverFeltBetter]

Ouch. When I first saw that tackle I thought a red was coming.