Trapattoni names Ireland 11 for Kazakhstan opener

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan

Trap has named a back four of John O'Shea, Darren O'Dea, Sean St Ledger and Stephen Ward will line up in front of Sunderland keeper Keiren Westwood.

Wigan's James McCarthy starts in a four-man midfield that also contains Aiden McGeady, Simon Cox, and Glenn Whelan, while Jon Walters gets the nod ahead of Kevin Doyle to partner Robbie Keane up front.

Ireland starting 11 v Kazakhstan - Westwood, O'Shea, St. Ledger, O'Dea, Ward, Whelan, McCarthy, McGeady, Cox, Walters, Keane

Irish fringe players need to impress Trapattoni to secure Euro 2012 squad place

Seamus Coleman is one of a number of young Irish internationals focused on making the Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland next summer, but all must convince Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni to include them on the European adventure.

The Everton defender is one of a number of players fighting to make Trap’s final 23 man squad for the Group C games against Croatia, Spain and Italy.

The Killybegs born midfielder knows he has to find favour with his international manager before the Euro 2012 squads are named next May.

“The only thing to do now is to play well for your club week in and week out between now and the end of the season and show the manager what you can do,” said the Goodison Park favourite

Meanwhile Trapattoni has challenged James McCarthy to find his voice and force his way into Ireland's squad for the Euro's.

McCarthy put in a man-of-the-match performance for Wigan against Chelsea last Saturday and Trapattoni sent the 21-year-old midfielder a message of congratulations afterwards.

Trap said - "James did well and I sent him a message saying 'bravo'," said Trapattoni. "He answer me also. He can grow very well. But, he is still a little shy. He can play many good balls. But he can call for the ball too. Sometimes, he is free. If he is more vocal, he can improve 30pc more.

"When I was a young player, I played immediately. In the past, James didn't play. But now he's started playing again and that's very, very important because he has a good quality."

And Trapattoni has also warned Darron Gibson that it's in his best interests to seek a new club when the transfer window opens in January.

"I know the way he thinks and this is his intention, I know he wishes to go for this situation but it depends on what agents and his manager will say," Trapattoni said.

"Gibson has great vision and he shoots very well. but in the Wolves game, Manchester United won 4-1 and he was on the bench so it is hard for him."

Although Derry born Gibson is still in Trapattoni's plans, the Italian admits that he will find it hard to select him for next summer's European Championships if he does not start playing more regularly by getting a move away from Old Trafford.

"It is a problem now that he stays on the bench. In one month it is very difficult to recover your condition,"

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McCarthy set for Macedonia qualifier

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed that James McCarthy will play for Ireland against Macedonia in Saturday evening’s Euro 2012 qualifying match.

McCarthy, who is still eligible to declare for either Ireland or Scotland trained with the rest of the Ireland squad this morning in Malahide.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez fuelled speculation about the midfielder's future earlier in the week when he claimed that McCarthy would not be rushed into make a decision, much to the bemusement of the FAI, McCarthy and his family.

However, Ireland boss Trappatoni has announced that McCarthy will feature against Macedonia, with a substitute's appearance being most likely.

“I’ve had to contend with this for a few years,” McCarthy remarked last week. “But it has really all stemmed from other people wanting it to happen. I am, and will remain, an Ireland player. I hope to play against Macedonia next weekend and that will put any talk of Scotland to bed once and for all.

“It reached new levels, went too far really, when I withdrew from the Ireland squad to play Wales. It was all above board. I was not long back in the Wigan team after three months out with an ankle injury and I was still taking things slowly as I didn’t want to risk anything. But this became a huge story and all the talk of me playing for Scotland resurfaced.

“My phone never stopped ringing. I’ve never received so many text messages and listened to so many voicemails. It was mental really. I’ve never been so popular!

“Trapattoni flew across to England to see me and we met at a hotel. He wanted to look me in the eye and ask if I was happy and committed to Ireland. I told him I was happy and wanted to play for him. It was a good meeting. We were both satisfied at the end of it. I appreciate the interest from Scotland but don’t want to go back on my word.”

Elsewhere, Centre back Richard Dunne has joined up with the rest of the squad, which assembled in Malahide last night, after staying behind at Aston Villa to continue treatment on his damaged shoulder, while midfielder Darron Gibson, who has a toe problem, is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.

Striker Leon Best did meet up despite missing Newcastle's Barclays Premier League defeat at Stoke on Saturday with an ankle injury, but he was sent for a swim this morning as his team-mates trained at Gannon Park.

Damien Duff (Achilles) and Seamus Coleman (ankle) also sat out, while Jonathan Walters will join up with the squad on Thursday with his wife about to give birth any day now.

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Ireland squad for Euro qualifier named

Giovanni Tapattoni has named a 29 man squad for the crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia on March 26th and the friendly game against Uruguay on March 29th.

Speaking at the team press conference this afternoon Trapattoni said "Macedonia is a big match for us in our aim to qualify for Euro 2012. Playing at home in the Aviva Stadium is important and we will be keen to build on our recent home performance against Wales. Three days later we will take on Uruguay who have announced a full strength squad to come to Dublin, including Forlan and Suarez. This will be a very good challenge for our players, particularly after Uruguay's strong performance in South Africa last summer."




Goalkeepers

Westwood
Randolph
Forde

Defence

Foley
O'Shea
Clark
Coleman
Dunne
St. Ledger
Kelly
O'Dea
Kilbane
Wilson


Midfield

Andrews
McCarthy
Whelan
McGeady
Duff
Gibson
Green
Lawrence
Treacy
Fahey

Forwards

Keane
Doyle
Walters
Best
Long
Keogh


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Trapattoni names final squad for Wales cup game

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed his 22-man squad for the Carling Nations Cup opener against Wales at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday, February 8.

James McCarthy has been added to the senior squad and alongside the inclusion of Wilson, Coleman and Clarke makes for a very exciting blend of young Premiership talent and more experienced campaigners like Keane, Duff, Dunne and Given.


Ireland Squad:

Given (Manchester City)
Westwood (Coventry City)
O'Shea (Manchester United)
Clark (Aston Villa)
Coleman (Everton)
Dunne (Aston Villa)
St Ledger (Preston North End)
Kelly (Fulham)
O'Dea (Celtic)
Wilson (Stoke City)
Gibson (Manchester United)
Whelan (Stoke City)
Paul Green (Derby County)
Lawrence (Portsmouth)
McCarthy (Wigan Athletic)
Treacy (Preston North End)
Duff (Fulham)
Keane (West Ham United)
Walters (Stoke City)
Doyle (Wolves)
Long (Reading)
Best (Newcastle United).

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James McCarthy back in training after ligament damage

Ireland and Wigan midfield sensation James McCarthy has revealed that he has resumed training and expects to be back in action by the end of January.

The 20-year-old is recovering from serious ligament damage suffered in the Premier League clash with Bolton in October last year.

"I can't wait to get back," the midfielder admitted to the club's official website.
"My biggest problem has been trying to do too much too quickly, and the physios are always having to tell me to slow down!

"I'm hoping to be back for the Arsenal game towards the end of the month. I'm not 100 per cent sure, but that's definitely the target I've set for myself.

"I've started kicking the ball and hopefully this week I'll get more involved in the rest of the training."

With Di Santo and Moses also on the road to recovery for Wigan, McCarthy believes all three players can make a big impact in the second half of the season.

"The manager has been saying it'll be like having three new signings, and hopefully we can all make an impact.

"We're sitting in the relegation zone now, where we definitely don't want to be, and we need to try and kick the team on."

James McCarthy suffers serious injury

Ireland midfielder James McCarthy was carried off the pitch today in what looks to be a severe ankle or ligament injury whilst playing for Wigan against Bolton at the DW stadium.

The 19 year old international sustained the injury when he was tackled from behind by Bolton's Fabrice Muamba, in the Premier League clash.

McCarthy received several minutes of treatment before being carried from the pitch, and was eventually taken to hospital for an x-ray.

McCarthy was expected to be named in Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for next month's friendly clash against Norway in Dublin however that now seems unlikely due to the seriousness of the ankle injury.

Wigan Manager Roberto Martinez, speaking after the 1-1 draw, said that they will know the seriousness of the injury within the next 12 hours.

"He is going to the hospital now, and we will find out over the next 12 hours," Martinez said.

"His right ankle looks in a bad state, and we just hope that it is not as bad as we fear."

"It's a real shame, because he's been performing in a very special manner."

"When you look at the replay, he clearly gets his ankle first," said Martinez. "It's disappointing, it's from behind but the intent is to play the ball."

Bolton boss Owen Coyle, who has followed McCarthy's career as he came through the youth ranks at former club Hamilton, shared his Wigan counterpart's concern.

Coyle stated: "My thoughts are to make sure he's OK, because I've known him as a young kid progressing all the way through to where he is now and there's no doubt he's destined for a glittering career.

"Hopefully he's back very soon. Certainly from my position it looked an innocuous challenge. They both went to shut the ball."

McCarthy & Wilson in line for Ireland start

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has indicated that James McCarthy and Marc Wilson are likely to play in next month's friendly against Norway at Lansdowne Road, and has also commented on some press criticism stating that he is overly cautious with team selection and system.

The Irish boss said : "Over two years we have shown you and your colleagues that we have changed many players," he said. "Yes, we had Keane, Doyle, Kilbane, Dunne, Given, Duff but there was no Lawrence, no Andrews, no Green, no Fahey. The others are new."

And with the Norway friendly next month and the Celtic cup tournament games starting in February, Trapattoni has a number of opportunities over the winter months to assess fringe players and blood some new faces before the European Championship qualifying action resumes in March at home to Macedonia.

"Obviously we look for others," he said. "We have already the names and we follow them over the next month. Maybe James McCarthy we look at him. Sure. But not only him. We look every moment to change and put the new players in the team. We saw Marc Wilson when he used to play at the back but he was not a defender and he likes to play midfield now. He’s clever, he’s tall and he reads the game very well. And we will look at other options.

"The tournament next year will also be a chance to try the new players but, remember, these are also games against Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We cannot afford to take it easy in these games. And we also have a responsibility to protect the young players. For example, if you play badly and lose the game, then you risk damaging these young players. You can give them the possibility to grow but within reason. You have to think about the balance of the team."

Trapattoni also suggested that he would not rule out experimenting with different systems and tactics.

"I repeat to you: I’m not afraid to change the system," he said. "In the past, I thought that Stephen Ireland could play behind the striker. Before Slovakia, we considered playing Shane Long on the right and McGeady behind the striker. Do you remember where James McCarthy played against Brazil? McCarthy can also play behind the striker. You need to be technical to play that role. I had many ideas before the game in Zilina but, on the night, we were good on the pitch. It all depends on the players you have available."

Irish success in end of season awards

Kevin Doyle - Wolves. Players’ player of the year award.

Doyle scooped the squad’s vote and top scorer for his eight goals in the Premier League at a star-studded bash at Telford’s International Centre.




Robbie Keane – Celtic. Fans player of the Year award.

16 goals from Robbie since his arrival on loan at Parkhead in January, has earned him the supporters player of the year award.


















Richard Dunne – Aston Villa. Players’ player of the year & also part of the Premier League Team of the Year.

Dunne modestly attributed his Villa honour to the efforts of Martin O’Neill’s entire squad throughout the course of the season.


Stephen Hunt – Hull City. Official supporters player of the year

The Irish winger who scored six goals in 27 games before picking up a foot injury, won the award at a presentation evening held at the KC Stadium. Hunt is likely to move from Hull during the summer.


















James McCarthy – Wigan. Player’s young player of the year.

In his first season at Wigan, McCarthy was the unanimous choice of his fellow professionals for the young player of the season award. He also scooped third in the overall player of the season award.

Aiden McGeady – Celtic. Players’ player of the year.

Voted player of the year by his fellow celtic teammates. Linked with a summer move to premiership side Birmingham.


Kieren Westwood – Coventry City. Players’ player of the year & supporters player of the year.

Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood was confirmed as Coventry City’s supporters Player of the Year for 2009/10 and also scooped the Players’ Player of the of the Year award.

Adam Rooney - Caley Thistle - Scottish PFA Division One Player of the Year.

The former Ireland u21 international striker, who was voted the PFA Division One Player of the Year earlier this month, has attracted recent interest from clubs in England & Scotland, with English Championship side Doncaster Rovers the latest to be linked with the Irishman.

Shane Duffy – Everton. Reserve player of the year.

Everton Reserve Player of the Season was Derry’s young Irish centre-back Shane Duffy who broke through to David Moyes first team early in the campaign, impressing with his gutsy displays in Europa League action. Duffy has been included in Giovanni Trapattoni’s upcoming training camp in Dublin.

Joe Mason - Plymouth Argyle – Young player of the year

Ireland u19 striker Joe Mason was voted Plymouth Argyle player of the year. Mason made his breakthrough into the Pilgrims senior team this season with a debut against Sheffield United at Home Park in December and went on to play a further 19 times for Argyle, scoring three goals. He has won a call-up to the Ireland squad for the upcoming Under-19 European Championships qualifiers in Ukraine later this month.






















Aidan O’Brien – Millwall. Schoolboy player of the year.

Ireland u17 international Aiden O’Brien scooped the Millwall schoolboy player of the year award after an impressive season for the u18 ‘lions’. O’Brien scored two of Ireland’s three goals in the final elite stage qualifying game against Austria which saw the u17 team heartbreakingly lose out on the finals to Greece.




















Richard Keogh – Carlisle United – Player of the year

Former Ireland u21 international Richard Keogh was presented with his award before Carlisle’s final home game against Walsall. Keogh has recently been linked with a move to Hibernian.

Ireland squad named for Brazil friendly

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a 23-man squad to face Brazil in the Emirates Stadium on 2 March.

Trapattoni has called-up uncapped Marc Wilson (Portsmouth), Greg Cunningham (Manchester City) and James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic) for the clash with Brazil. However, there is no place for ex-Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy.

The squad will face a full strength Brazil side as Dunga and his players prepare for this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Trapattoni said: 'I look forward to working with my squad again after the disappointment of Paris.

'The priority now is to build on the progress made during the last campaign and prepare ourselves over the coming months mentally and tactically for an important Euro campaign.'

Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry City), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United).

Defenders: Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Kevin Kilbane (Hull City), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Sean St Ledger (Preston North End), Paul McShane (Hull City), Marc Wilson (Portsmouth), Greg Cunningham (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Fulham), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen Hunt (Hull City), Liam Lawrence (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic).

Forwards:Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Robbie Keane (Celtic), Shane Long (Reading), Leon Best (Newcastle United).

James McCarthy 'scotches' rumours of Irish exit

James McCarthy has 'scotched' recent tabloid rumours that he may be interested in representing Scotland, rather than Ireland.

McCarthy has represented Ireland at under 18, under 19 & u21 levels.

In a message posted on the Ireland football forum You Boys In Green, McCarthy mentions how it would be a dream to be selected to play in the Ireland senior squad and it would create great pride within his family, should he manage to make it into Giovanni Trapattoni’s starting eleven. He also thanked Ireland fans for their support and encouragement.

19 year old McCarthy has recently broken into the Wigan side and scored on his way to a man-of-the-match display in a 4-1 win over Hull City and his manager feels he can now kick on and become an established player within the Premier league.

"He showed on Saturday that he is ready. We all know James is going to be a big star in world football," the Wigan boss said.

"He has been working very hard and lately you could see he was ready in training and on Saturday he showed that he was ready to enjoy his football and ready to win games for Wigan."

James McCarthy ready for the Premiership

Roberto Martinez believes Ireland U21 international James McCarthy is ready to play a big part for Wigan in the second-half of the season.

The 19-year-old signed from Hamilton in the summer having been tracked by some of Europe's biggest clubs since the age of 16.

However the midfielder has had to remain patient so far this season with just two appearances to his name before the FA Cup clash with Hull City.

Martinez decided to give the Ireland international only his second start of the season against the Tigers, a decision that was vindicated when McCarthy scored on his way to a man-of-the-match display in a 4-1 win and his manager feels he can now kick on.

"He showed on Saturday that he is ready. We all know James is going to be a big star in world football," the Latics boss said.

"He has been working very hard and lately you could see he was ready in training and on Saturday he showed that he was ready to enjoy his football and ready to win games for Wigan."

Martinez revealed that McCarthy was beginning to get frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities but the former Swansea manager saw that as a good thing.

"When you get frustrated it is because you are ready to play," he added.

"Sometimes you get a big move into the Premier League and with the change of environment it is very different and sometimes you lose the focus on your game.

"It was a big move for him as a young man when he came down from Scotland as it was the first time he had moved away from his only club and that takes time.

"It is important we help the youngsters - and every player that comes to Wigan. James has had the period he needed to settle in and now he is ready to play football and enjoy it.

"When he does that I'm sure the fans will enjoy it too."

James McCarthy looking for loan move

James McCarthy is hoping to go out on loan in January after failing to break into Wigan Athletic's first team following his move from Hamilton Accies.

The 19-year-old Ireland Under-21 international linked up with The Latics last summer after joining in a deal that could rise as high as £3million depending on appearances.

However, McCarthy, who was a first-team regular during his time at New Douglas Park, has been restricted to just two appearances totalling 83 minutes under Roberto Martinez.

McCarthy knows he is one for the future and has stiff competition ahead of him for places in Martinez's squad, however, he is keen to continue his education by gaining more experience.

"It is a big squad and it is difficult to get in the team, and it is a big step up from the SPL to the Premier League," he told the Glasgow Evening Times.

"If something comes in and the gaffer is happy for me to go out on loan and get some first-team games then I will be happy to do that.

"If not, I just need to try and work myself into the Wigan team."

Ireland U21 squad announced

Ireland under-21 manager Don Givens has named an 18-man squad for next month's European Championship qualifier in Tallinn against Estonia.

Histon's Lanre Oyebanjo, James McKeown of Peterborough United and Aston Villa's James Collins are included in the squad for the first time. Reading midfielder Scott Davies is also in line to make his debut for Ireland at this level.

Manager Don Givens is looking forward to the squad: 'Estonia are a good side, they work very hard and will make it difficult for us, especially since they are at home.

'They went to Switzerland earlier this month and won. I saw that match and I was impressed by them. It's a tricky fixture for us but I'm very happy with the squad I have.'


He added: 'A lot of the players are experienced at this level, having been regulars with the under-21s for some time now.

'We also have a few new faces in the squad, so I am looking forward to getting a close look at those players. This is a strong squad, one that is certainly capable of making an impact in the European Championship qualifiers.'

Ireland U21 Squad

Shane Redmond (Burton Albion), James McKeown (Peterborough United), Michael Spillane (Norwich City), Brendan Moloney (Notts County), Darren Dennehy (Hereford United), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Ian Bermingham (Shamrock Rovers), Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon), Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons), David Meyler (Sunderland), Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Alan Judge (Plymouth Argyle), Jay O'Shea (Birmingham City), Scott Davies (Reading), Cillian Sheridan (Plymouth Argyle), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace) and James Collins (Aston Villa).

Ireland need to remain focused for Bulgaria clash.

The challenge for the Ireland squad over the next month will be to maintain their fitness and sharpness at a time when some of the non-Premiership players would be expecting to head off on holiday for a well earned rest after the rigours of tough season.

And with the Premiership finishing on May 24th and Ireland not due to play the crucial away game against Bulgaria until June 6th, the onus will be on the players to maintain a strong focus on the game in Sofia.

Victory would put Ireland in a strong position for the remaining qualifying matches with their sights set on overhauling Italy and claiming that one automatic qualifying place in Group 8 for the finals in South Africa next Summer.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will select his squad for the match against Bulgaria next week and will be looking forward to bringing his squad together for the friendly against Nigeria in London on the 29th of May. The Friendly may well give some fringe players the chance to impress Trapattoni prior to the remaining World Cup qualifiers and could see players like Sean St Ledger and young SPL player of the year James McCarthy receive a call up for the Nigeria clash.

McCarthy not prepared to be left on the sidelines

Hot property James McCarthy is ready to snub a mega move this summer - after insisting he won't leave Hamilton to sit on the sidelines of a bigger club.

The 18-year-old Irish u21 midfielder admits money talks and Accies could look to cash in if one of his many admirers were to lodge a lucrative bid But the level-headed star insists he will only move on if he is guaranteed a top-flight game every week - and he knows that won't happen. As prepared for today' visit of SPL leaders Rangers, McCarthy, left, said: "I'm really happy where I am. I'll just have to wait and see what happens in the summer.

"I know that if someone comes in and the club accept an offer then you need to sit down and talk with the club and those around you who give you decent advice.

"But I'm happy to be playing week in week out in the SPL.

"I wouldn't be pleased just sitting in the stands or playing in the reserves. That's not going to do my career any good.

"I'm happy to get as many games as I can at the top, keep improving and see what happens from there.

I'm very content at the moment."

To enhance that point, McCarthy is desperate for Billy Reid to remain his manager next season.

The Ireland Under-21 international reckons the Accies boss will also be a wanted man when the campaign ends because of the success he has enjoyed in his debut season in the SPL.

McCarthy said: "I definitely don't want the gaffer to go anywhere because he gave me my chance and has been so influential in my development.

"There is so much still to do and I really want to continue working with him.

"I hope the manager stays. It's only natural that a successful boss will have clubs looking at him but this is a great club."

Accies are just a point off the top six and 10 ahead of bottom club Inverness. Having been promoted to the top flight only last summer, it is no surprise McCarthy is looking over his shoulder rather than up at the stars.

He said: "We are on a good wee run but are not going to get too carried away.

"We'll keep our feet on the ground and make sure our priority is to stay in this league.

"We're not thinking about the top six and we let other people do all the talking.

"Our target this season is just to stay in the SPL."

O'Brien determined to fight for place in Trapattoni's squad.

Motherwell winger Jim O'Brien is determined to break into the Ireland senior squad - even if he suffers the same abuse dished out to James McCarthy & Aidan McGeady.

The Fir Park winger has, like Hamilton rival McCarthy, opted to represent Ireland on the international stage.

Jim lived with his grandad John, who moved to Scotland at 18, for a decade before his death in 2000. From that moment the ex-Celtic kid vowed to play for Ireland and has represented ‘The Boys In Green’ at U19 & U21 levels.

Now a regular for Motherwell, O'Brien believes he can catch the eye of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni and force his way into the Italian's plans for the future.
If he succeeds, Jim is likely to face the same sectarianism endured every week by Hamilton wonderkid James McCarthy, from fans who seem intent on bringing shame on the SPL.

But the 21-year-old insists he's ready for anything the bigots throw at him if it means a call-up.

Jim said: "The international scene has never left my mind. I believe I can make the Ireland set-up but it's about playing consistently well here, If I'm playing every week here I don't see why I can't break in to the squad. There are guys in the Irish league who have been capped and the SPL is a better standard.

"The stick James gets is poor. But if fans believe they can put someone off their game they'll do it. I used to get abuse warming-up at Ibrox but you have to get on with it. It doesn't seem to bother James because he is doing well. And if I get stick, it won't bother me".

"I've made a decision I'm willing to stick to. I had a great connection with my grandad and wanted to play for him after he died. Hopefully a cap will come."

After a slow start at Fir Park, O'Brien is now starting to fulfil the potential he showed at Celtic. He was tipped to make an impact in Gordon Strachan's side but the breakthrough never came. O'Brien spent time on loan at Dunfermline two years ago and helped them reach the Scottish Cup Final against the Hoops.

He was devastated when Strachan refused him permission to play at Hampden because of fears he wouldn't be accepted by Celtic fans if he'd prevented them winning the trophy.

O’Brien said: "The cup final was probably the end of my Celtic career. You want to play on the big occasions but I didn't get the chance at Hampden. Gordon didn't want me to miss out but after thinking it through, he changed his mind".

"I might have been the difference that day because it was a tight game that Celtic won 1-0. Gordon said I could hardly play in the cup final, do something against them, then go back and expect to get in the team. I don't hold grudges. But last season I didn't get a fair crack of the whip at Celtic".

"There were cup games where I felt I could have played and people were telling me my chance was coming. Aiden McGeady was suspended for an Old Firm match and I was tipped to start. Sadly Phil O'Donnell died and the game was postponed. But I got a clean break by coming here and want to do well."

O'Brien is adamant he can help the Steelmen put a serious dent in Celtic's title hopes today on Fir Park's dodgy pitch.

Jim said: "We can have a say in the title race by getting results against Rangers and Celtic, especially on that pitch.

"We're on a good run and Celtic have hit a sticky patch. I want to show what they missed out on."

Hamilton boss Praises 'sublime' James McCarthy

Hamilton prodigy James McCarthy polished his credentials as one of Scottish football's best young talents again at Falkirk on Saturday with a moment of magic to help Accies take all three points.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who has been capped at under-21 level for Ireland, picked up the young player of the month award for January and has carried on his good form as Billy Reid's side continue their unlikely progress up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

With 15 minutes remaining at The Falkirk Stadium, and the game tied at 1-1, McCarthy set up Paul McGowan to score the winning goal with the most delicate of chipped passes.

Reid, who seems to have spent almost every week of the club's first season in the SPL praising the youngster, was left once again grasping for superlatives.

"In the last eight or nine weeks he has been fantastic," Reid said.

"In every game he plays he produces a bit of skill.

"His pass and movement with McGowan for the goal was fantastic.

"He is sublime at times but he works back the way as well. His consistency for a young player is astonishing."

Accies defender Chris Swailes, who scored an almost comical own goal to gift Falkirk the lead before Simon Mensing spared his blushes by grabbing the equaliser, was the latest team-mate of McCarthy to predict big things for the teenager.

"He is a promising lad and I think he will hit the heights," the Englishman said.

"Whether he stays in Scotland remains to be seen but the world is his oyster.

"I imagine Hamilton's problem will be holding on to him.

"As long as he is playing well for us then that is great but there will be a few people knocking on the door."

Tipped as relegation candidates before the season kicked off, Hamilton find themselves fighting for a top-six spot after a sticky start and Reid praised his players for adapting to the rigours of the SPL.

"It has taken us to halfway through the season to learn to win games and now we are doing that regularly," he said.