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Hopes rise for McCarthy after training with squad

James McCarthy still has a chance of featuring
James McCarthy still has a chance of featuring

James McCarthy offered some hope of featuring in Friday’s World Cup qualifier with Wales as the Everton man trained at Abbotstown this morning.

The midfielder has been recovering from a hamstring strain, however, McCarthy took part in today's session with the squad in the freezing, wet conditions at the FAI headquarters.

Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane had stated yesterday that McCarthy was a real doubt for the Aviva encounter saying, “if he doesn't join in with the group [today], it'll be very doubtful for him."

The 26-year-old will, no doubt, be assessed following today’s session and will surely need to take a full part in training tomorrow to have a realistic chance of playing on Friday.

There was more good news for manager Martin O'Neill as Seamus Coleman, Shane Long and Jonathan Hayes, who all sat out on Tuesday, managed to take part in the full session today.

James McClean was also back in the camp after being given leave on Wednesday afternoon to travel north to pass on his condolences in person to the family of close friend and Derry City captain Ryan McBride ahead of his funeral on Thursday morning.

Watch Republic of Ireland v Wales live on RTÉ2 from 7pm Friday, listen live on 2fm's Game On and follow our live blog on RTE.ie and the News Now app.

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