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."
Quote
Originally Posted by James McCarthy
Bookmarks