Stephen Kenny will be anxiously waiting for word this evening on James McCarthy's fitness - just a day after expressing the hope that the midfielder will be unscathed for the start of Ireland's journey under their new manager.
McCarthy limped out of Crystal Palace's pre-season friendly with Oxford United at Selhurst Park after just 20 minutes.
Although Josh Cullen is on stand-by, Kenny will be keeping his fingers crossed that the 29-year-old is OK.
McCarthy hasn't played at international level since the end of 2016 and has overcome a couple of serious injuries to return to regular Premier League football last term.
He was recently linked with a move to Aston Villa.
“I’m really thrilled about that (having him back in)," said Kenny on Monday, adding that he saw McCarthy anchoring a three-man midfield in the Nations Cup game against Bulgaria in Sofia on September 3.
“He is someone who is extremely talented. He has an exceptional range of passing and I don’t think we have utilised him in his best position a lot.
“Injuries have prevented him becoming regarded as the best midfield player of the generation - which in my mind he is.
“He's only 29 so some of his best performances might be ahead of him if he can stay fit.
“If we can get him facing the goal, get the ball to him in midfield with the speed and attacking options we’ve got, it could be a good combination.”
“Hopefully he can stay fit, but he’s very, very excited to come back in and I’m excited to have him".
