 James McCarthy is wanted by a host of top clubs |
Hamilton Accies manager Billy Reid is disappointed that the much-touted James McCarthy is likely to play for Republic of Ireland instead of Scotland. The 16-year-old midfielder has been having signing talks with Celtic, Liverpool, Rangers and Reading after breaking into the Accies first team.
"I want my young players to play for Scotland, but Scotland never came knocking on his door," said Reid.
"But if Ireland want him to play for them, I'm all for it."
The case mirrors the example of Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady, who chose an international career with the Republic of Ireland despite being born in Scotland.
McCarthy has been called up to the Irish Under-17 squad and there has been criticism aimed at the Scottish FA for not making the first move.
"He qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland through his grandmother and they had him watched," said Reid, who had tipped off the Scotland camp about his starlet.
"I am disappointed that Scotland did not move for him, to be honest, as just about every club in Britain has shown interest in James.
"I could not believe we had a player of his quality at Hamilton when I arrived at the club and gave him his first-team debut at 15 and he has improved from there."
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