McCarthy has decision to make

McCarthy: Decision to make

Latics boss warns star to take time over international choice

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez admits James McCarthy faces "a very, very deep" decision over his international future.

There has been speculation over McCarthy international allegiance with reports suggesting he is pondering whether to switch his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to Scotland.

McCarthy sat out the Republic's Carling Cup Nations victory against Wales on Tuesday as he only recently recovered from an ankle injury and Martinez did not want him to be risked.

The former Hamilton star has made only one senior appearance for the Republic and that was in a friendly against Brazil, meaning he could still play for Scotland.

Martinez is adamant the 20-year-old should not be rushed into making one of the biggest decisions of his promising career.

Respect

"He wants to help Wigan. For me that is fantastic. It (international football) is something he needs to think about with his family, with his friends.

"It is something very, very deep. But I do not think he has focused on that at all, although it is great to have two nations fighting over you.

"James is probably the most mature 20-year-old in football. It is a compliment to him. I don't think it is going to affect him. It is going to give him a more arrogant feeling if you want."

Fully informed

"It wasn't the right time for him to go. He could not have coped with the physical demands. That's it really," added Martinez.

"I spoke with the Republic of Ireland staff to make sure they knew the programme James was on.

"When James got injured late in October he was so disappointed he just wanted to get back fully fit as quick as a he could. He told me then he needed to forget his international career and that was the conversation we had.

"If you look at his performance on Saturday, James McCarthy is going to be one of the top footballers in Europe. What a player to have for your country or club."