O'Brien and McCarthy in kindred spirit
Published Date:
01 November 2008
IF HAMILTON midfielder James McCarthy is jeered again today over his decision to represent the Republic of Ireland, at least one of his opponents will empathise.
Motherwell winger Jim O'Brien has also played for the Irish Under-21s courtesy of his grandfather and believes criticism of McCarthy is unfair. The Lanarkshire derby at Fir Park comes in the wake of 17-year-old McCarthy being subjected to abuse against Rangers after reiterating his allegiance.
"I don't think it's fair," said O'Brien, who was born in Vale of Leven
but, like McCarthy, was overlooked by Scotland's youth set-up, and agreed to play for the Irish Under-18s after their manager spotted him playing for Celtic's youth team.
"To be honest, I always wanted to play for Ireland because I grew up with my grandad and he is the reason I could play for Ireland," he said. "When he passed away, that desire came more and more... Scotland contacted me after that but the ball was already rolling with Ireland."
O'Brien is pushing for his first start for Motherwell after coming off the bench during last weekend's 2-1 win at Inverness.
The full article contains 197 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
31 October 2008 8:46 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
Motherwell FC
,
Hamilton Academical FC
