Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is confident James McCarthy will not switch allegiances to Scotland.
Youngster could play in Poland friendly
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is confident James McCarthy will not switch allegiances to Scotland.
Scotland are sounding out the possibility of McCarthy playing for them, despite representing Republic of Ireland at Under 21 level.
Fifa rules state any player can switch their international allegiance if they have not won a full cap and are under the age of 21.
Seventeen-year-old McCarthy was born in Glasgow, but decided to play for the Republic, who he qualifies for through his grandparents.
Trapattoni plans to speak to the highly-rated teenager and has hinted he could be included in the friendly with Poland on 19th November to ensure he stays with Ireland.
"We will see if he is Irish or Scottish - but I think he will play for Ireland," Trapattoni told the Irish Sun.
"I haven't spoken to him yet myself, but I will speak to him soon. I know he has two possibilities, Scotland and Ireland.
"I think he will choose Ireland and maybe he will play in the next friendly."
