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James McCarthy pulls out of Ireland squad for family reasons
JAMES McCARTHY has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 finals after revealing his father has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Wigan midfielder, 21, would have been included in Giovanni Trapattoni’s 23-man squad, announced yesterday, but called his manager last week to tell him the news.
McCarthy said: “I have discussed this with the manager. He was very understanding and I thank him sincerely for that.”
Sunderland winger James McClean is in the squad, despite making just one brief substitute appearance in a home February friendly with the Czech Republic.