Mick McCarthy today defended the decision to arrange a friendly against Croatia just three days before the start of the Premiership season.
Admitting the fixture was a direct response to Holland’s friendly visit to England, he said: "I would have been quite happy to go into the game against the Dutch without having played since Estonia but if they can advance their preparation by playing a friendly on Wednesday then why can’t we, but I must say I do understand club managers' resistance to it".
"I remember a time when international football used to be the biggest, most important games and I think that’s still the case for the players".
The Irish manager refused to be drawn on the other controversial issue in the run-up to the September 1st showdown - the news that Frank de Boer and perhaps Edgar Davids will be available for selection by Luis Van Gaal, despite both testing positive for nandrolone.
"There is absolutely nothing I can do about it, " said McCarthy. "So it would be pointless for me to make any comment about it".
For Wednesday’s match, McCarthy revealed that he and his Croatian counterpart, Mirko Jozic, have agreed that both sides will be allowed to make up to nine substitutions.
One player certain to figure is Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison. The manager has not yet decided whether he will start or not, but the player said McCarthy took him aside yesterday and talked to him about the role he may fill.
"Mick wants me to hold the ball up. He reckons that despite my small frame I’m actually quite strong and I myself feel quite happy playing with my back to goal," said Morrison.