McCarthy, Easton attract interest

By Chick Young and Andy Campbell

Easton and McCarthy have impressed this season for Hamilton

Italian and English clubs are tracking Hamilton Academical duo James McCarthy and Brian Easton.

Representatives of Brescia and Palermo watched 18-year-old McCarthy in action during Saturday's lunchtime match against Rangers.

McCarthy has been capped at Under-21 level for the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Derby manager Nigel Clough also attended Accies' game with Rangers to run the rule over Scotland Under-21 full-back Easton.

In January, last season's First Division champions Hamilton resisted approaches for four of their players, with McCarthy and Easton believed to have been among those targeted.

McCarthy, who is under contract until 2011, turned down the chance to join Liverpool in 2007 and Chelsea and both halves of the Old Firm have previously expressed interest in the player.

Easton, 20, has been linked with English Premier League club West Ham United.