Soccer: Fears over the international allegiance of midfielder James McCarthy grew this afternoon, with Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez suggesting the young Scot is in doubt over whether to continue playing for the Republic of Ireland.

McCarthy sat out Ireland's Carling Cup Nations victory over Wales on Tuesday, apparently at the behest of his club, but after a conversation with Martinez, Giovanni Trapattoni suggested the youngster withdrew himself.

Having only just recovered from a serious ankle injury, the decision might not have cause controversy had Trapattoni not appeared sceptical as to the motives of the call, while in the same pre-match press conference Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given questioned the desire of young players.

Regardless, Trapattoni insisted yesterday McCarthy was in his plans and likely to get a call for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia next month. “After that,” the Italian said pointedly, “it is up to him.”

Martinez, however, has cast serious doubt on whether that is a call the 20-year-old is ready to make and says he faces “a very, very deep” decision, despite declaring for Ireland some time ago. He could yet switch jerseys because his only appearance in green came last year in a non-competitive match against Brazil.

“I do not know if it is a decision for him to make now or not,” Martinez said this afternoon. “We need to give him plenty of time. We need to respect him.

“He wants to help Wigan. For me that is fantastic. It (international football) is something he needs to think about with his family, with his friends. It is something very, very deep. But I do not think he has focused on that at all, although it is great to have two nations fighting over you.

“James is probably the most mature 20-year-old in football. It is a compliment to him. I don’t think it is going to affect him. It is going to give him a more arrogant feeling if you want.”

Martinez insists he kept Trapattoni fully informed about McCarthy, who was withdrawn after he scored twice in the 4-3 victory against Blackburn, even if their accounts of the conversation differ slightly.

“It wasn’t the right time for him to go,” he said. “He could not have coped with the physical demands. That’s it really. I spoke with the Republic of Ireland staff to make sure they knew the programme James was on.

“When James got injured late in October he was so disappointed he just wanted to get back fully fit as quick as a he could. He told me then he needed to forget his international career and that was the conversation we had.

“If you look at his performance on Saturday, James McCarthy is going to be one of the top footballers in Europe. What a player to have for your country or club.”

Though he refused to be drawn on it this week, Scotland manager Craig Levein is certain to be encouraged by the noises coming out of Wigan, renewed with hope that one of the game’s hottest properties could be back on the international market.