Scotland and Republic of Ireland playing tug-of-war with Wigan’s McCarthy

Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are jockeying for the services of Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy according to manager Roberto Martinez.

The 19-year old Republic of Ireland U21 international was born in Scotland so is eligible to represent both nations but after already donning the emerald green it seems he has already chosen his preference.

But Martinez admitted that McCarthy’s Wigan teammate, Scotland defender Gary Caldwell, is trying to convince him to join Craig Levein’s squad.

"I know that he has the two countries after him, he is just 19 and playing in the Premier League. In the next five or six years he will become a very important player,” Martinez said.

"Gary Caldwell is trying to persuade him to play for Scotland, but I think James is stubborn and will listen to himself."

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