Was there a football story in there somewhere? :)
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Was there a football story in there somewhere? :)
sorry, hit the paywall.
Fortunately, google has a handy workaround, you can search for the article address and view the text from the article
Quote:
JAMES McCARTHY has hit back at Robbie Keane's claim that he let Ireland down by pulling out of the Republic of Ireland's end of season internationals.
At last month's Carling Cup of Nations, Keane ranted at the young players who withdrew from Giovanni Trapattoni's squad, guys he said "don't have the appetite for international football."
He seemed to target McCarthy when he added: "If people don't want to play for Ireland, don't declare yourself as Irish - it's simple."
Now in a hard-hitting Sport of the World exclusive, the 20-year-old Wigan ace has finally broken his silence to tell HIS side of the story.
Glasgow-born McCarthy insisted: "Injury was the only thing which kept me out of the Ireland squad last month. I suffered a grade one ligament injury at Stoke in Wigan's final
game of the season, my ankle was swollen and sore and the Irish doctor WAS notified.
"I never turned my back on Ireland, my conscience is totally clear. I plan to let things settle over the summer and then I intend to contact Mr Trapattoni.
"I want to talk to him before the next Ireland squad is named because I want to put this issue to bed. I'm also sure I'll have a word with Robbie Keane and the rest of the lads when we next get together.
When you're told you can't play, you don't play
"I have nothing but respect for Robbie Keane but in my opinion he spoke out before he was in possession of all the facts in my case.
"He is a decent guy and he's a good captain. I am sure he will listen to my side of the story.
"If I had been fit, of course I would have reported for international duty.
"Everyone knows the story about the Scotland and Ireland issue. It keeps on raising its head but my commitment to Ireland is simply not in question.
"I made my decision and it was to play for Ireland. I'd love to believe I could follow in Robbie's footsteps and go on to win 100 caps one day.
"When you're told you can't play, you don't play. This all came about because I picked up an ankle injury in Wigan's final game of the season against Stoke.
"My ankle was badly swollen and my club physio Richard Evans said he didn't want to take any chances.
"It was the same ankle which had been operated on in October after I'd ruptured ligaments against Bolton. Richard told me he would arrange for me to have a scan on the injury the following day.
"He also contacted the Irish team doctor, Dr Byrne, to tell him I had twisted my ankle and required a scan.
"The results showed I was suffering from grade one ligament damage.
"I asked Richard what I should do about Ireland and I was told not to worry about that, they would contact Ireland's medical staff.
"The first I knew there was any problem was when I got the papers and I realised that Mr Trapattoni was clearly unhappy.
"Then Robbie Keane had his say, I was being criticised from all quarters.
"I read stories which said I had made no effort to get in contact with Ireland. There were even some wild tales that Giovanni Trapattoni tried to call me personally and I refused to respond.
"The truth is I was only contacted once that week by the FAI - from Mary, the liaison officer. She sent a text containing my flight details.
"I didn't reply straight away but after our final game at Stoke I sent a text to say I needed to go for a scan.
"When I received the results I sent a text to say I wouldn't be able to take that flight.
"I think there was just a simple misunderstanding because Mr Trapattoni couldn't have been informed by his medical staff that I was injured.
"I'm grateful that The News of the World has given me this chance to state my side of the case clearly.
"I have made my choice to represent Ireland - but I can't play for anyone when I could barely walk, let alone run."
"I'm grateful that The News of the World has given me this chance to state my side of the case clearly."
He has everybody's number but needs to go through the News of the World to communicate with them?
Sounds like he genuinely wants to play for Ireland and he can't be compared with Stephen Fruitcake. A couple of weeks away from Whelan/Martinez has probably cleared his head. He will still have to start showing up before every game unless he is physicially unable to do ie broken leg/arm to prove his intent. Same applies to the other alleged no shows.
Possibly he feels the need to explain his side of the story to the public as well as I'm not sure the FAI were going to come out and contradict their earlier line.
What scans were sent to the Irish team doctor then?Quote:
Originally Posted by James McCarthy
That's a low blow. The boy has stated his case, and I'm thankful for one that he used the NOW. I probably wouldn't have heard the real story otherwise. I think we all knew there was a real story waiting to get out. If there is someone to blame here, and I'm not sure there is, it would be Wigan F.C. James has stated his case, and has said what we needed to hear. So we need to shut up now and let the boy play his game. We need him so badly in our barren midfield. Hopefully he can put his foot on the ball and compose our play which will result in Robbie getting more chances to add to his tally. Win win all around.Quote:
Originally Posted by ifk101
AS AN ADDENDUM - Wigan can't really be blamed if their medical staff are showing a grade one ligament ailment. I take it back. Out of all this however let's hope the communication between clubs and the FAI improves in the future. Good luck James and if I can take the liberty of speaking for all Irish fans - we hope to see you in the green of Ireland for many years to come.
I hope what he says about leaving it for the summer and then contacting Trap is true. It would seem like the most sensible approach. And let's hope the Indo WUMs stay out of it so we can look forward to many years of McCarthy in a green shirt.
I wasn't expecting him to make any kind of statement. But that was fairly comprehensive, fair play to him. Can't see him missing too many squads for a while if the tone of that is any indication. I look forward to his next 97 caps...
Danny should fire off a copy of 'FIFA Player Eligibility in the Context of Ireland...' to the NotW. Obliging folk that they are. ;)
A low blow for asking the chap to dial a few numbers? :bigsmile:Quote:
Originally Posted by mark12345
Arsenal linked with move for McCarthy: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...060480,00.html
not a lot in the story to be honest
Maybe I'm too old school but I just think it's very blasée sending a text. If you're asked to play for your country and can't turn up is it too much hassle to pick up the phone? I don't doubt his injury claims, I just think it would show some respect making a phone call.
The Daily Mail (not necessarily reliable) is suggesting that James cannot agree a contract extension with Wigan which might heighten the interest from some of the big clubs.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...reak-down.html
Martinez must be delighted he is not making a rushed decision. :laugh:
With N'Zogbia already off to Villa they'd be skirting the muddy banks of s**t creek if they lost McCarthy too.
James has always said he'll take the summer to make a decision and whoever he chooses will be very lucky. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by tricky_colour
And lets not forget Martinez's wife is from Scotland so he could end up at Hibs. :sinister:
James confirms he will be in Dublin next wk. In other news Trap has confirmed his summer hols are over and he is working through his latest collection of DVD boxsets:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...p-2841984.html
Went off injured v Villarreal. Just brilliant....
Any idea how serious it is? Villarreal really going out of their way to hamper our hopes of Euro 2012 qualification. They don't play Fulham in a pre-season friendly, do they?...