Doubts resurface over McCarthy
MARTIN O’NEILL may have to do without midfielder James McCarthy for the upcoming play-offs against Denmark.
Unconfirmed reports last night appeared to suggest that McCarthy — only just returning from another injury — has suffered a hamstring strain.
It is believed he could be sidelined for a long period of time. A source at Everton reportedly said it could be ‘months rather than weeks’ that the Irish international is to sit out for.
McCarthy showed some promising signs in his 62-minute run out in Everton’s Carabao Cup match at Stamford Bridge midweek and it is believed he went through that completely unscathed.
David Unsworth will be without him today and may look to Muhamed Besic or Davy Klassen to come back into his side.
Meanwhile, Sean Maguire was back in action for Preston North End yesterday.
Maguire netted in the first half as his side lost 3-2 to Brentford.
The former Cork City striker will be giving Martin O’Neill plenty to think about though with this latest performance.
Maguire was livewire up front.
Heading into half-time Callum Robinson set up the Ireland international.
He found Maguire in on the halfway line and the striker did the rest.
It was his fourth goal of the season for Preston — his 27th including his tally for SSE Airtricity League champions Cork City.