James McCarthy to resume training for Republic of Ireland
Saturday 28 May 2016 17:26, UK
Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy is set to resume training on Monday, a day before Martin O'Neill finalises his squad for Euro 2016.
The Everton player was unable to train ahead of Friday night's friendly draw with Holland due to a thigh problem.
His chances of featuring in Tuesday night's final warm-up clash with Belarus in Cork are slim but O'Neill has revealed he has seen enough of McCarthy to name him in his final 23.
In another boost for the Irish, defender Ciaran Clark took part in a short session on Saturday morning.
The Aston Villa centre-back also missed out against the Dutch as he continued to nurse an Achilles problem.
O'Neill said: "There are some players who didn't start last night (Friday) that I would want to start in the game against Belarus, and again I would just reiterate that if I was getting that opportunity, I think the players overall would be happy with it.
"If they thought that maybe a performance against Belarus might cement their place in the 23, I think they are prepared to do it.
"I know it means disappointment for a few people just immediately afterwards, but I think they are prepared for it."
O'Neill has confirmed skipper Robbie Keane will start against Belarus, while fellow striker Daryl Murphy is also likely to feature as the fringe players in the squad get a final chance to catch the manager's eye.
Ireland will begin their European Championship campaign against Sweden on June 13th in Group E followed by games against Belgium and Italy.
