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McCarthy follows Irish roots

James McCarthy
James McCarthy

Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy has decided his international future lies with the Republic of Ireland.

The Glasgow-born 17-year-old qualifies for the Republic through his Donegal-born grandfather and has represented the country at under-17, under-18 and under-21 level.

The Scottish Football Association were hoping to persuade him to switch his allegiance to the country of his birth.

However, McCarthy told the Scottish Sun: ‘I'm really flattered that Scotland were interested in me.

‘It's a huge compliment. The fact is I'd already made my decision.

‘Ireland have been absolutely brilliant to me and my family and I couldn't turn my back on them.

‘I felt that if I had done that I would have embarrassed myself.

‘All I want to do is play football - I don't want to embarrass myself by chopping and changing countries.’

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