Six players to watch

GARY DOHERTY (Tottenham)
A broken leg cost Doherty his World Cup chance. Came back too late to make a real push for inclusion in the squad but will be there when the Europeans kick-off now that Steve Staunton and Niall Quinn have both retired. Can play in attack or defence though McCarthy prefers him as a centre-back.

STEPHEN CARR (Tottenham)
His knee injury was a blow to Ireland after his heroics in the qualifiers. His return cannot come too soon for McCarthy who may switch Steve Finnan to left back once Carr is available again. Has resumed training and should be fit for the start of the European campaign.

COLIN HEALY (Celtic)
The one person Roy Keane should apologise to. Healy was good enough to be in the squad even before Keane started acting up and was actually called in when the captain first threatened to go home from Saipan. Needs a big season at Celtic but will feature in the squad squad for the Helsinki friendly in August.

THOMAS BUTLER (Sunderland)
He is one of the cleverest players in the Irish Under-21 squad and finally made the first team breakthrough at Sunderland. He is rated highly by McCarthy and offers cover in a number of midfield positions.

JOHN O'SHEA (Man United)
The one to watch as far as Irish football is concerned. Described as a cross between Paul McGrath and Mark Lawrenson, this is a big season for the Waterford-born centre-half. Needs to make the first team breakthrough at Old Trafford but will be in the senior Irish squad in August.