James McCarthy remains the only injury concern for the Republic of Ireland’s European Championship qualifier away to Scotland.
The Everton midfielder was the only player not to train in Dublin today just two days before the all important game in Glasgow.
McCarthy had another scan on his injured hamstring so on his 24th birthday he just walked the training pitch in Malahide with team doctor Alan Byrne.
Martin O’Neill gave this fitness update on McCarthy after training:
Glenn Whelan took a full part in the session which included a training match but like McCarthy the Stoke midfielder will have to take it day by day as he continues his recovery from the leg fracture he suffered in Germany.
It was noticeable that Darron Gibson, Jeff Hendrick and Stephen Quinn were all part of the same midfield in the training match which would suggest Friday night could come too soon for Whelan.
Stephen Ward also returned to training after sitting out yesterday’s session and the Burnley defender says Scotland away is a game the players have been looking forward to for a while:
With Marc Wilson ruled out earlier in the week many expect Richard Keogh to make his first competitive start for the Boys in Green
The Derby defender believes he’s ready for the challenge and says it’s one he’d relish:
