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How do you solve a problem like McCarthy? Trap names side for tomorrow's Nations Cup opener

Clark and Coleman both handed first international starts by Giovanni Trapattoni while Wigan’s James McCarthy is conspicuous by his absence.

Updated 18:25

ASTON VILLA DEFENDER Ciaran Clark and Everton winger Seamus Coleman are set to make their first international starts with the duo confirmed in Giovanni Trapattoni’s starting line-up for tomorrow night’s Carling Nations Cup tie against Wales.

The Ireland team in full is Given; O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Clark; Coleman, Whelan, Gibson/Green, Duff; Walters, Doyle.

However, this afternoon’s press conference was focused more on those who were conspicuous by their absence, in particular Wigan’s James McCarthy.

McCarthy withdrew from the Irish squad late last night with Wigan stating that the 20-year-old was still recovering from an ankle injury which sidelined him for three months earlier this season.

The excuse appears not to have washed with Trapattoni, however, especially in light of the fact that the youngster played over 80 minutes against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, picking up two goals in Wigan’s 4-3 victory.

McCarthy was not the only withdrawal from the Irish squad, with captain Robbie Keane also forced to drop out after picking up a calf strain during West Ham’s 1-0 defeat against Birmingham City yesterday afternoon.

The striker’s international future has been the subject of much speculation of late with Keane himself declaring that he would retire from international football if replaced up front by Trapattoni.

Shay Given will captain the side tomorrow night in Keane’s absence.

Meanwhile, Wales boss Gary Speed has also had to contend with a raft of late withdrawals as he prepares for his first game in charge of the national side.

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, on-loan Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and West Brom goalkeeper Boaz Myhill are all unavailable for selection, while David Edwards, Ched Evans, Joe Allen, Craig Morgan, Danny Gabbidon and Steve Morison have also withdrawn from the squad.

The Welsh starting eleven is: Hennessey, Eardley, James Collins, Danny Collins, Ricketts, Vaughan, Crofts, King, Church, Earnshaw, Robson-Kanu.

What do you think of Trap’s team-sheet for tomorrow night’s game? How do you feel about McCarthy’s decision not to join up with the squad?

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