Aaron Connolly is set to make his first senior start tonight, who plays alongside or just behind him is the question.
Since Saturday, McCarthy has made no secret of the fact that the Brighton teenager is expected to play from the outset.
And last night in Geneva he did nothing to tone down that speculation, but insisted he would not play him as a lone striker.
McCathy said: “Someone to support him, yes. I wouldn't want him to be isolated up there, that's for sure.
“They play three at the back and putting Aaron into that on his own would be a big ask on his first full start.
“Asking me would I risk him, there's some suggestion that there is (a risk) but I don't think there is.
“He's now made his debut. He had a cameo and did well in it and I think he will be feeling comfortable about himself, so no, I don't think it would be a risk to start him.”
But who plays with him, or behind the 19-year-old?
James Collins made his competitive bow against Georgia. He didn’t set the world alight but nor was he well serviced.
McCarthy may like a little and large approach to mix things up.
But Alan Browne could be deployed as an advanced midfielder behind the striker and was McCarthy’s first pick off the bench on Saturday.
Browne has yet to score for Preston this season but the majority of his 12 goals last season were from an advanced midfield position and McCarthy is a fan.
Were he - or Alan Judge - to play in that position it would spell bad news for Callum Robinson who has had two poor performances in a row.
The central midfielders Jeff Hendrick, Conor Hourihane and Glenn Whelan were off their game in Tbilisi but expect McCarthy to show faith in them again.
Hendrick could play wider on the right if Robinson drops out, while Josh Cullen is the logical choice if Whelan, 35, wasn’t up to playing two games in four days.
But McCarthy said: “I think if you ask that question directly to Glenn he might punch you on the nose.
“He's been remarkable and he’s a model pro and a really good athlete who looks after himself and if he plays, it'll not be a problem.
“I'm very happy with my midfield players. They haven't been like that (off form) every game.”
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