O’Neill boosted by Whelan news as McCarthy remains a doubt

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan is in contention to play in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow on Friday night.

However, O’Neill remained coy about the fitness of Everton midfielder James McCarthy who remains a doubt for selection after injuring his hamstring in Sunday’s 1-1 draw away to Sunderland.

The FAI tonight also confirmed that striker Kevin Doyle has withdrawn from the squad and will return to Crystal Palace for treatment on a groin injury.

Whelan fractured his leg in the 1-1 draw against Germany four weeks ago but has since made a surprising recovery, training with his club side and with the rest of the Ireland squad today at Malahide’s Gannon Park.

O’Neill said: “He has done a little bit here today, he did an extensive workout yesterday at Stoke and following on today so he doesn’t feel so bad.

“It’s really day by day, he hasn’t done much since the Germany game. I’ve got reservations of course; we’ll have to look at it again.

“Let’s see how things develop over the next couple of days, this is only Tuesday and we’ve got a few days still to negotiate. Glenn had a very good session yesterday with Stoke and he’s followed it up with something today, but it’s too early to say yet.”

McÇarthy was unable to train today, and O’Neill refused to state whether he will be fit in time to face a fiery reception from the Celtic Park crowd, he said: “We’ll have a look at it again.

“It’s still early to say but obviously James didn’t do anything today. I really wouldn’t know if he’ll be fit at the moment.”

Also absent from training was left back Stephen Ward.

O’Neill said: “Stephen sat out today as well. I think he’s had a little bit of a problem since the time he hurt himself in Germany, but he’s played for Burnley subsequently and leaving him out today is more precautionary.”

O'Neill also suggested it is unlikely new call-ups, Ipswich Town's David McGoldrick and Derby County's Cyrus Christie, will feature against Scotland.

“They’ve just come into the fold, they’re getting to know each other and the rest of the squad and this is the first day they have trained,” said O’Neill.

“It might be asking a lot to involve them, but the two lads have got talent and that’s the main thing.”