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European Qualifiers: James McCarthy a doubt for Ireland trip to Scotland

James McCarthy Republic of Ireland
Image: James McCarthy: Doubtful for Republic of Ireland

Everton midfielder James McCarthy's fitness is improving daily but he is still rated a doubtful starter for Republic of Ireland's European Qualifier against Scotland at Celtic Park on Friday.

McCarthy, who suffered a tight hamstring following his side's 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Sunday, celebrated his 24th birthday with a gentle stroll around Ireland's training pitch in Malahide under the close attention of team doctor Alan Byrne.

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill wants to give the Glasgow-born playmaker every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the Parkhead fixture and said: "James is obviously feeling better each day.

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"He didn't do any work today - he's going for another scan this afternoon, which is kind of an update - but he is feeling better, so we will see what tomorrow might bring.

"Remember, it's only a few days since the injury and there's a possibility, obviously, of trying to join in now in the next couple of days. But that's all it was, it was just a walk with the doctor."

Hamstring tightness had kept McCarthy out of last month's internationals against Oman and Germany and O'Neill added: "If he is fit to play and wants to play, that's fine; if he's not, then fine. He is improving."

Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan was able to train once again on Wednesday as he continued his recovery from the leg fracture he suffered in the 1-1 draw in Germany, although O'Neill was in no mood to make hasty decisions on any of his walking wounded.

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He said: "We will see, we will see what tomorrow might bring. We have got tomorrow, tomorrow is Thursday and the game is not until Friday night."

Watch Scotland v Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports 5HD from 7pm on Friday evening

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