Teenager McCarthy made over 100 appearances for Accies

Scotland U21 coach Billy Stark says the Scottish FA must accept the criticism of failing to cap James McCarthy.

The Scots-born 18-year-old, who joined Wigan from Hamilton this week, opted to play for the Republic of Ireland after being overlooked by Scotland.

McCarthy's chairman at Hamilton, Ronnie McDonald, said the oversight by the SFA was "a national disgrace".

"We'll take the criticism. As James improves, it might keep getting cast up, but we wish him well," Stark said."

The teenage midfielder's move to the English Premier League could net up to £3m for the Lanarkshire club.

Following the transfer, McDonald criticised the SFA for not capping McCarthy at under-16 level.

The player subsequently chose to represent the country of his grandfather's birth, the Republic of Ireland, although he has not yet been capped at full international level.

James is certainly a loss for us, there is no doubt about it Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Stark

"People should now be asking why the SFA could deem James not good enough to play for Scotland at U16 level?" said McDonald.

"It's a national disgrace James was never capped for Scotland. I still can't believe they snubbed him."

But Stark said it was a judgement call that was felt to be correct at the time - although admitted it is a decision that will be regretted.

"Back then, unfortunately for James, it was felt that he wasn't any better than the players that we had," the former Celtic and Aberdeen striker said.

"Months later, that might have changed, but in the meantime the Republic of Ireland stepped in and they have got his services.

"James is certainly a loss for us, there is no doubt about it, but in club and international football that happens all the time.

"People will feel players have been missed so we have to live with that, if it's criticism, and try to make sure it doesn't happen again."

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