The Republic of Ireland squad trained for the first time this week as they gear up for Friday night’s European Championship qualifier away to Scotland.
New recruits Cyrus Christie and David McGoldrick both trained in Dublin as did Glenn Whelan despite fracturing a bone in his leg during last month's draw in Germany.
James McCarthy and Stephen Ward didn’t train but manager Martin O’Neill will give McCarthy every chance to get over the hamstring injury he suffered playing for Everton at the weekend.
Kevin Doyle was the other player to sit out the session and has since been ruled out of Friday night’s game in Glasgow with a groin injury.
Ireland have seven points from nine in group D thanks to wins over Georgia and Gibraltar and a dramatic 1-1 draw away to World Champions Germany last month.
O’Neill says it’s important they build on their good start to the group:
O’Neill also revealed that it’s unlikely we’ll see Cyrus Christie and David McGoldrick in action on Friday but they could both win their first caps next Tuesday against the USA.
Christie qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother who was born in Dublin and he explained why he chose to declare for the Boys in Green:
The two players that were talked about most today were James McCarthy and Aiden McGeady as they prepare to face the country of their birth, that is if McCarthy is available.
Former Scotland International Gordon McQueen said earlier this week that he hopes the Glasgow born pair receive a “ horrible reception “ at Parkhead.
Shay Given believes the comments were over the top: