Liam Scales and Celtic new Bhoy James McCarthy not called up by Ireland

By Euan Davidson

August 26, 2021

New Bhoy James McCarthy and imminent Celtic arrival Liam Scales have not been called up by the Republic of Ireland.

Within the last hour, the Ireland 25-man squad was announced, with neither McCarthy or Scales visible. Stephen Kenny has, though, called up former Celtic loanee Shane Duffy. The Brighton defender has been in rejuvenated form since leaving Glasgow.

McCarthy featured for 15 minutes against AZ Alkmaar last week [WhoScored?]. He didn’t make it off the bench against St Mirren, however, and wasn’t included in tonight’s squad for the second leg against AZ.

Scales, who has all but agreed a move to Celtic [Irish Examiner], has been in sensational form for Shamrock Rovers. The Irish Examiner had him in the mix to be included by Kenny, but no call-up has been forthcoming.

Disappointment for Celtic man McCarthy and imminent arrival Scales with Ireland snub

McCarthy’s last cap came against Slovakia, in a Euro 2020 play-off defeat. Since then, he’s joined Celtic on a four-year deal, and could be contention for Sunday’s trip to Ibrox.

The former Everton and Crystal Palace midfielder will surely add to his 43 caps while he’s at Celtic. Provided he stays fit, he’s one of Ireland’s best options in the middle of the park.

Scales has starred at youth international for Ireland. At both U18 and U21 level, the former UCD defender has notable experience [Transfermarkt]. If he’s able to get into Ange Postecoglou’s team, either on the left or at centre-back, his time will come.

The defender, who trialled with Manchester City, is a promising talent and has shone in the League of Ireland. At just 23, he’s made over 130 professional appearances.

It’s encouraging to see Shane Duffy back in the Ireland set-up, though. After a torrid spell in Glasgow, the boyhood Celtic fan has been in inspired form for Graham Potter’s Brighton.

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