Encouraging signs for McGrath

IT is thumbs up for Paul McGrath in the countdown to Wednesday's announcement of the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup fixture in Macedonia on April 2nd.

McGrath's claims for his first competitive international game in 16 months, were approved by Mick McCarthy after the manager had watched his return to Derby County's team against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Derby lost the game and McCarthy, with suitable diplomacy, declines to speculate on the formation of his squad ahead of Wednesday's press briefing. Yet, the signs are that the prize which has motivated the mature defender for much of the last three months, is about to be attained.

"While the result didn't fall right for Derby, Paul looked as comfortable and as secure in the air as ever - even against Duncan Ferguson," said McCarthy. "These days, he tends to play in straight lines, never veering too far from his post, but when it gets down to the basics, he is still as good as ever in what he does."

It was an encouraging day, too, for Ray Houghton, another senior member of the squad who, like McGrath, has also embarked on an urgent mission to impress the Ireland manager. Houghton ended an absence of nine weeks from Crystal Palace's team when he came on as a substitute in their 2-0 success over Norwich City on Saturday.

McCarthy made it clear yesterday that a fit Houghton would challenge strongly for a place in his starting line-up but whether he fits that category at this point in his comeback attempt, remains to be seen. Significantly, however, he plans to speak with the midfielder today, when he will be seeking reassurances on several points before determining whether Houghton will accompany the squad to Skopje.

Jon Goodman was replaced after being concussed during Wimbledon's 3-1 defeat by Blackburn on Saturday and has been withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland `B' squad for today's meeting with the National League at Tolka Park (4.0).

Also out are Ian Harte, who has been withdrawn by Leeds United manager, George Graham, and Chelsea's goalkeeper, Nick Colgan, who is also required for club duty.

It has stretched McCarthy's resources to the point where he has called two locally based players into his squad, Seamus Kelly, UCD's emerging goalkeeper, and the skilful Shelbourne player, Des Baker.

Harte's withdrawal, following on the earlier loss of Mark Kennedy, means that Aston Villa's Gareth Farrelly, is now the only full international left in the squad. Also on view will be Richard Dunne, who has played in Everton's first team this year, and Lee Carsley, the Derby midfielder, who impressed the Irish manager in the game at Goodison Park on Saturday.

McCarthy waits until just before the kick-off to name his team but the indications are that Wimbledon's Brendan Murphy will don the goalkeeper's sweater with Robert Quinn (Crystal Palace) and Ross Darcy (Tottenham)joining Dunne in central defence.

All the advantages in physique and maturity, will rest with a National League team which will be seeking a third consecutive success after dealing effectively with the challenge of an English team of semi-professionals and the Welsh League.