James McCarthy included in squad to face Brazil

Giovanni Trapattoni has named Wigan Athletic midfielder, James McCarthy in a 23 man squad for next week's friendly encounter with Brazil at the Emirates Stadium.

McCarthy has greatly impressed since forcing his way into the Latics first team in the third round of the FA Cup, giving a potent attacking threat to a side hovering above the relegation zone.

His performances made him the focus of speculation in recent weeks, when it was rumoured the Scottish born midfielder could be convinced to play for Craig Levein's side, rather than the Republic of Ireland whom he represented at underage level.

But the former Hamilton Academicals man always seemed intent on donning the emerald green Jersey, despite last week revealing the attempted persuasions of a Scottish club mate: "Gary (Caldwell) has had a word in my ear about it but I've made my choice."

And today the young maestro has his reward of a senior call-up for the glamour friendly against the five-time world champions.

With Kevin Kilbane advancing in years, the long-term availability of the left fullback position could be up for grabs, so uncapped defenders Marc Wilson (Portsmouth) and Greg Cunningham (Manchester City) are also included the party, though it is unlikely that either will start a match against such expansive opposition.

Another candidate to replace the centurion is Wolves' Stephen Ward, who is the only Irish player regularly lining out at left-back in the Premier League, but the former Bohemians man is not included this time round.

Also omitted are Hibernian pair Liam Miller and Anthony Stokes, despite impressive performances (and 15 goals from the latter) which had pushed the Edinburgh side within touching distance of second placed Celtic until recent weeks.

Speaking this morning, Trapattoni said: "I look forward to working with my squad again after the disappointment of Paris. The priority now is to build on the progress made during the last campaign and prepare ourselves over the coming months mentally and tactically for an important Euro campaign."

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry City), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United).

Defenders: Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Kevin Kilbane (Hull City), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Sean St Ledger (Preston North End), Paul McShane (Hull City), Marc Wilson (Portsmouth), Greg Cunningham (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Fulham), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen Hunt (Hull City), Liam Lawrence (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic).

Forwards: Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Robbie Keane (Celtic), Shane Long (Reading), Leon Best (Newcastle United).