JAMES MCCARTHY AND Glenn Whelan have both been ruled out of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland.
The FAI confirmed that the injured midfield duo will return to their clubs for further treatment and will not fly out to Glasgow later today.
Both McCarthy and Whelan were racing to prove their fitness for tomorrow’s clash with manager Martin O’Neill anxious to give them every chance.
The news leaves Darron Gibson, Stephen Quinn and Jeff Hendrick in pole position to start against the Scots in Celtic Park.
McCarthy — who also missed the games against Gibraltar and Germany through injury — did not train in Malahide this week as he recovered from a hamstring problem.
The Everton star walked the perimeter of the pitch with team doctor Alan Byrne a few times yesterday and was due to have another scan on the injury he picked up in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
Whelan was also an outside bet to feature in the Group D showdown. He was initially left out of the 27-man squad to allow him to continue his recovery from a fractured leg, but flew in to join the camp on Monday evening after coming through a training session with Stoke unscathed.
He trained on both Tuesday and Wednesday but after further assessment, management decided that he should not travel.
McCormack is a super player, covers acres of ground and always contributes a score or two.
How did Mccormack and John McGrath not start last week ffs. Hope it’s not too late.
@Michael Gleeson: Tipp impressive last week, albeit in a loss. Better than I thought they would be. Not sure about Flynn in midfield, McCormack a better option alright. Fully expect a win v Clare
Hard to call the outcome of this game . Clare will be the underdogs but will give them everything. Another great game to look forward to
@Finnster: should be a cracker , maybe a slight advantage to Tipp having a game under our belts .But then you add in Tony Kelly to the mix .
Clare by 4 .as long as James Owens doesn’t act the B+×=$x
Tipping by 7 or 8 points