Trapattoni gives youth its head

Soccer:Giovanni Trapattoni will have a chance to look at the future of the Republic of Ireland tomorrow night after naming James McCarthy in his starting line-up for tomorrow night's friendly against Uruguay.

Trapattoni has hinted that the 20-year-old Wigan midfielder’s long-term international role could be playing in the hole behind a lone striker, and it appears he will have the opportunity to do just that against the World Cup semi-finalists.

Trapattoni has had no qualms about involving the nation’s most promising youngsters in his squad, although he has studiously avoided where possible throwing them in at the deep end in tough qualifying games in the belief, borne out of his vast experience, that a bad experience there could have a lasting effect.

But he will send McCarthy out at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow evening under orders to make his presence felt and to demonstrate the talent which led to such a tug of love with Scotland to secure his services.

Trapattoni said: “I don’t expect him to perform miracles, but I know his quality, I know what he can do. But I have said to him, it is important for him to call for the ball always, it’s important to be vocal. I have watched him on the pitch and he is a little bit shy. He must get over this shyness.”