Words doing the rounds now that he will start after all. For Scotland.
If so, I predict we win 3 nil.
Sure you know yourself, Danny, we Irish are a bunch of cynics! One or two referenced his, deemed, indecisive before he was tied to us in a competitive match. Another couple highlighted the fact that he played the full 90 for Everton but couldn't be fit for a match a week later. A lot conjecture.
I think a question must be asked as to why he was left on the field for Everton though. The Irish doctors have clearly exercised their duty of care. Difficult to measure the applicability of that to Martinez who is experiencing a bit of pressure of late.
Everton had used all their substitutes and were drawing 1-1 with a few minutes to go. I don't think any serious professional manager would bring a player off under those circumstances if it was thought the player could see the game through and he could keep a tight game eleven versus eleven.
The latter concern is easily dismissed by the fact that he was checked by the FAI doctor and sent home - not McCarthy's call - whilst the former concern you mention is negated by the fact he has been decisive. He committed to us. Any comments from the SFA (or related individuals) on the matter were ones of admitted failure to turn his head, whilst he himself said he had never considered switching. I mean, if he wasn't sure about playing for us, why would he go through with it and commit?
I should say that his ultimate decision at least somewhat negated any concerns over possible indecisiveness rather. Obviously, we don't know the inner workings of his mind. Beyond his actions, we can only go on what he tells us. If it were true that he's not sure about playing for Ireland, then it would be to accuse him of conducting a charade. The recent "BringOnTheScots!" tweet would all have been a part of that. I just don't see him as being deceptive like that at all.
Of course he's genuinely injured - but I suspect he's relieved to be out of the game. Not the type of player who'd fancy being at the centre of dogs' abuse from some of the most, eh 'rugged' fans in the game. Some players might relish it - Roy Keane springs to mind - but I don't think McCarthy would.
I think he'd relish it.
DID YOU NOTICE A SIGN OUTSIDE MY HOUSE...?
Keep the psychoanalysis of a player you've never met before coming, guys.
It's always been said of McCarthy that he has a fragile mentality by people who know him better than we do.
People have said he's a shy character and that he can fail to take control of games the way he should. Never seen any suggestion he'd run scared from a bit of abuse - in fact, the overwhelming evidence from his entire professional career is that he has the strength of character not to bow to pressure or abuse. That's not psychoanalysing him - it's just a rational observation based on the evidence.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...-Martinez.html
Keane on Martinez pressuring McCarthy & Coleman not to play for Ireland; McCarthy pulling out of squad despite no significant damage to his hamstring.
I feel like this thread has just plunged back three years to when it was a mere scamp at 105 pages.
This thread is now officially SAFC...
Ronnie Whelan mentioned something about new comments from MON saying how McCarthy would have played if it was a club match. Keane is one to talk no doubts about it but something not right for me. I was surprised to see McCarthy at the game. The press (ok you would nearly not believe the date they print) said he was back at Everton for treatment. The Martinez apologists won't like all these comments all the same! LOL
Lets talk about six baby
McCarthy didn't pull himself out of the squad; the FAI doctor assessed him and deemed him unfit to play, or so we've been told, no? Is Keane disputing this? If it wasn't the case that McCarthy was unfit to play, then why was he removed from the official squad and why hadn't this conversation that Keane talks about been had with Martinez? Martinez' job is to look out for Everton's interests. It's our side's job to stand up for our interests when there is a conflict there. If a talk needs to be had with Martinez, it should have happened weeks ago - post-Germany - when O'Neill initially seemed to express a guarded scepticism over the authenticity of claims about McCarthy's fitness. No point in us moaning about it to the media now when it's too late to change things.
I thought the FAI Doctor said the scan was clear but it was the player himself who didn't want to put himself through the rigours of training on Thursday as he was worried the injury might recur.
I've seen numerous reports saying the scan gave the all clear. It was the McCarthy's call. He knows his body, it's a difficult one for him.
Bill Kenwright and Martin on Roy's comments: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/inter...with-martinez/
Originally Posted by RTÉ
Bookmarks