Reid pleased with McCarthy omission

Hamilton boss Billy Reid admits he is pleased that James McCarthy has been overlooked for the Republic of Ireland squad.

Giovanni Trapattoni surprisingly omitted McCarthy, who turns 18 on Wednesday when Hamilton host Hearts, from his 23-man squad which takes on Poland on November 19.

However, Reid believes that it could be a blessing in disguise for McCarthy, who is preparing for his 82nd first-team start.

Reid said: "James will be disappointed he's not getting the chance to play for Ireland yet but I'm pleased.

"I'm not saying he isn't ready to step up to that level. He is. He's a huge talent and his time will come.

"But I have to be selfish and think about what it means for him long-term. My biggest fear is burn-out and when that happens a player can be set right back.

"He has had to cope with the demands of playing three times a week in the SPL and that's a big enough ask without throwing full international football into the reckoning.

"It's very hard to preserve his talents. He was shattered after back-to-back games against Rangers so I put him on the bench for the Motherwell game.

"He came on and was the best player on the park. He's too good to leave out so I'm pleased he doesn't have added pressure of playing for Ireland."