JAMES MCCARTHY’S INJURY problems look set to continue as he has picked up a hamstring tear which could rule him out of Ireland’s upcoming World Cup qualifier.

McCarthy up against Manchester City's Fernandinho. Richard Sellers Richard Sellers

The Everton midfielder was sidelined for six weeks after undergoing groin surgery at the beginning of September, but returned to action in Ireland’s meeting with Georgia earlier this month and played 90 minutes in the 1-0 win.

McCarthy also started three days later as the Boys in Green claimed a 3-1 victory over Moldova. But Toffees boss Ronald Koeman was highly-critical of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill for using the 25-year-old in both matches — claiming he was “killing the player”.

Dutchman Koeman brought the former Wigan Athletic man as second half substitute in Everton’s 1-1 draw directly after the international break, but he was absent from the matchday squad for Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Guardian are now reporting that he is expected to be ruled out for “several weeks” with this latest problem, which was picked up in training, meaning Ireland are likely to be without his services for the away qualifier against Austria on 12 November.

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