McCarthy follows Irish roots
Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy has decided that his international future lies with the Republic of Ireland.
The Glasgow-born 17-year-old qualifies for Ireland through his Donegal-born grandfather and has represented the country at under-17, under-18 and under-21 level.
The Scottish Football Association were hoping to persuade him to switch his allegiance to the country of his birth.
However, McCarthy told the Scottish Sun: “I’m really flattered that Scotland were interested in me.
“It’s a huge compliment. The fact is I’d already made my decision.
“Ireland have been absolutely brilliant to me and my family and I couldn’t turn my back on them.
“I felt that if I had done that I would have embarrassed myself.
“All I want to do is play football – I don’t want to embarrass myself by chopping and changing countries.”
