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James McCarthy has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland at Celtic Park tomorrow night.

The Everton FC midfielder injured his hamstring in his club’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Sunday, and was unable to take part in training at Malahide’s Gannon Park this week.

McCarthy, 24, will head back to Merseyside for treatment and is unlikely to play a part in Ireland’s further schedule of games during the international break.

Roberto Martinez will now want to ascertain quickly whether the influential performer will be fit to face West Ham at Goodison when Premier League action resumes.

The Blues are already having to deal without Gareth Barry, who is nursing damaged ankle ligaments, and can ill afford to lose another midfielder for a prolonged period.