James McCarthy has played six times for Crystal Palace this season, but mostly from the bench.
Mick McCarthy is not convinced that his Crystal Palace namesake, James, would get into his Republic of Ireland eleven, if selected.
The Crystal Palace midfielder has won 41 caps for his country, but was not included in his international manager’s latest squad.
James McCarthy, who moved to Palace from Everton in the summer transfer window, has played just a handful of times since the 2016-17 season, owing to injury.
And asked about his omission on Tuesday, Mick McCarthy replied, via The Irish Mirror: “I’m not convinced he’d get in anyway.
“The three lads who have been playing – (Glenn) Whelan, (Jeff) Hendrick and (Conor) Hourihane – have been different class playing for me.
“The other two lads against Bulgaria – Josh Cullen and Browny (Alan Browne) did really well and Jack (Byrne) did his bit really well.
“So why would I change it? James has hardly played any football since he’s gone to Crystal Palace.”
James McCarthy is one of several experienced internationals overlooked by the Ireland manager, along with his fellow midfielder Harry Arter and the goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.
The 28-year-old last appeared for the Boys in Green in October 2016.
His former Everton teammates Seamus Coleman and Shane Duffy have been selected for Ireland’s October fixtures against Georgia and Switzerland.
Has the Crystal Palace player been fairly overlooked?
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