GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI HAS backed James McCarthy to thrive if he seals a deadline-day move back to the Premier League.
Wigan and Everton remain locked in last-minute negotiations over the Republic of Ireland midfielder but are reportedly nearing an agreement with the transfer window set to shut at 11pm this evening.
The move stalled over Wigan’s £14 million valuation but the Latics may be willing to settle for £12.5 million, though they want Everton to pay the bulk of the transfer fee up front.
McCarthy was not in Malahide this morning as his international team-mates linked up for their first training session ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Sweden. The 22-year-old was given an extra day off by Trapattoni to complete any late paperwork and is expected to fly in tomorrow morning.
“Obviously the more important games he plays, the more his personality will increase,” Trap said as he gave the move his seal of approval.
I said last month that I was happy because I saw James McCarthy play with good personality against Germany and against Georgia.A change now is ok. It’s also good for him to go to a more important team. With this change he can think ‘I am an important player.’ That is important.
McCarthy was one of eight players to sit out this morning’s session in Malahide, though Stoke defender Marc Wilson (ankle) is the only serious concern at present. Wilson had a scan this afternoon and Bristol City’s Greg Cunningham has been called in as extra defensive cover.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph (thigh) also had a scan but is expected to be fit for Friday.
Robbie Brady (tight groin), Shane Long and Richard Dunne (both rest) are all due to train tomorrow morning while captain Robbie Keane and Darren O’Dea both fly in to join the squad tonight.
