IRELAND MANAGER Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed that James McCarthy will line out for his senior debut against Macedonia on Saturday.

McCarthy trained with the Ireland squad this morning in Malahide. It ends any hopes Scotland boss Craig Levein may have still harboured of a U-turn by the talented Wigan midfielder.

The player’s club boss Roberto Martinez fuelled speculation of a switch in allegiances this week when he insisted McCarthy would not be rushed into a decision on his international future.

But  Trapattoni this morning revealed that  McCarthy will feature against Macedonia, with a substitute’s appearance most likely. “He won’t start,” the Irish Times quotes Trap as saying.

“It will be tough on him (McCarthy) to start immediately. I had to say to him today to call for the ball more because he is a little shy.”

Robbie Keane, meanwhile, is likely to lead the Irish at the Aviva Stadium, according to the Italian. Richard Dunne joined up with the rest of the squad, which assembled in Dublin last night, despite being an injury concern.  The Aston Villa man stayed behind in Birminhgam to continue treatment on a damaged shoulder.

Darron Gibson, who has a toe injury, will arrive tomorrow. The Manchester United man is likely to partner Glenn Whelan in midfield, however, in a bid to target the impressive Macedonian unit. Trapattoni added:

“They are aggressive and strong in midfield and will have to force the game.”

Striker Leon Best made the trip across the Irish Sea despite missing Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat at Stoke on Saturday with an ankle injury. His club released a statement in the striker’s name this morning, in which he apologised for his appearance at a city-centre nightclub with exiled Boy in Green, Stephen Ireland.

Best was sent for a swim this morning as his team-mates trained. Damien Duff (achilles’ heel) and Seamus Coleman (ankle) also sat out the session at Gannon Park. Jonathan Walters will join up with the panel on Thursday as his wife is due to give birth.

- Additional reporting PA