Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy has chosen to reject his country of birth to represent the Republic of Ireland.

The 20-year old Glasgow-born McCarthy's international allegiance has been in the news for a while now due to his family links with Ireland but last night wanted to put it all to rest by stating his intent to play for Giovanni Trapattoni's team.

McCarthy last month withdrew from Trapattoni's squad because of an ankle injury and it became beat up in the press who reported he had pulled out because he was set to choose Scotland.

But the former Hamilton Academical youngster said that simply was not the case.

"There was talk here and there, but as far as I saw it, it was just the press jumping on stuff and there was nothing came of it," said McCarthy.

"I pulled out last month because of my ankle. I was doing rehab and I wanted to look after myself, and the club wanted to look after me as well. My main thing now is to try to get some game-time on the park for Ireland and put it all to bed."