Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has made just one Premier League start this season so far.
Ireland are due to take on Bulgaria in a friendly this evening, and the Villa man is set to play at left-back.
Hourihane is generally stationed in central midfield, but McCarthy thinks he has some qualities which could make him a useful full-back.
And Hourihane is eager to get some action for his country, as he has not been part of Villa’s regular starting line-up this season.
“It would be amazing if he played really well tomorrow. If he doesn’t, nothing ventured, nothing gained,” McCarthy said.
“He’s one of those who’s not been playing [at club level]. I’d like him to have some more minutes. He wants to have more minutes, so he’ll be playing.
“He’s a very intelligent player, that’s for sure. He has a wand of a left foot. If we can get him further up the pitch, get him to deliver crosses, then we should get a bit of joy out of that.”
Hourihane started in Dean Smith’s first match of the campaign against Tottenham Hotspur, but he has been on the bench for Villa ever since.
Douglas Luiz’s arrival at Villa Park appears to have knocked the £3 million midfielder (Irish Examiner) down the pecking order for Smith’s side.
If the 28-year-old can prove he can perform at left-back this evening it could be a bonus for both Ireland and Villa over the course of the season.
Villa are next in action against West Ham United after the international break, but it seems likely that Hourihane will be on the bench again.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
