Injured McCarthy called up to Ireland squad again

The Republic of Ireland have revealed their provisional squad for their upcoming clash with Austria and yet again, Everton midfielder James McCarthy has been included in their squad… despite being injured.

Twitter: BREAKING: Martin O’Neill has announced his provisional squad to face Austria with first call-ups for Daryl Horgan a… https://t.co/FhXaBkhbHp (@FAIreland)

This is not the first time that McCarthy has been selected for international duty under Martin O’Neill whilst he nurses an injury, so the inclusion of the 25-year-old for a second time in a row is quite bemusing.

Twitter: Martin O’Neill: If the game was this week James McCarthy would be out. He is doubtful for the week after. #COYBIG (@FAIreland)

The Toffees will be hoping that McCarthy isn’t selected for too much action when his country take on Austria.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has previously expressed his displeasure at O’Neill’s decision to include McCarthy in the squad whilst he continues to recover from an injury, so he certainly won’t be too impressed after lightning has struck twice.

I like to have a lot of international players because it is a very good experience for every player. But sometimes, in several cases in fact, you like to have a little bit more understanding for a player who has been out injured for five to six weeks. Play him for 45 minutes, 60 minutes, but not 95 minutes after five to six weeks out, the second time 80 minutes! You are killing the player.

The Goodison Park faithful will be hoping that McCarthy can come back without any aggravation to his initial injury.