Mick McCarthy has indicated that Troy Parrott will make his senior Ireland debut in September if Mauricio Pochettino gives him a competitive Spurs bow in August.

The talented teen was involved in another high-profile pre-season game yesterday, starting the Shanghai showdown with Manchester United.

And McCarthy has admitted his claims will be hard to ignore if Pochettino deems him good enough for a place in Spurs' matchday squad.

The friendly with Bulgaria which follows the crunch qualifier against Switzerland could prove to be a big chance for the 17-year-old.

"If he is playing in the first game of the season, if he is starting and playing for Spurs, he'll have to be a shoo-in for the squad," said McCarthy.

"He's got to be playing really, to play (for Ireland). But if he is in the squad with Spurs with a chance of coming on - Mauricio Pochettino has proved to be a great coach, so I'm not going to be daft enough to suggest he isn't good enough to come and play for us.

"My concern is Switzerland but if Troy Parrott is in and around the (Spurs) first team, he has every chance of being involved. If he is playing in the Tottenham team I'll use him for the first-team squad."

McCarthy has welcomed moves up the ladder for Callum Robinson (Sheffield United) and Luca Connell (Celtic).

He has been in touch with James McCarthy and indicated the player is making progress with regard to finding a new club. A move from Everton to Crystal Palace has been mooted.

There has been no contact from Patrick Bamford, thus ending the prospect of the Leeds player coming on board this year.

"If he wants to play for me, he's got my number, he can send me a message. I have done all the chasing as far as I am concerned," said McCarthy of Bamford.

Liam Kelly's move from Reading to Feyenoord has been noted by management, with the Irish boss stating he will go to watch him in action if initial reports are positive.

Martin O'Neill expressed doubts about the player's commitment to Ireland, although Kelly subsequently challenged the ex-manager's version of events.

The reality, however, is that the importance of the four qualifying matches in the autumn will leave little scope for experimentation.

That's why McCarthy's main priority is that established members of his squad get on the pitch from the start of the English campaign.

He framed Robinson's transfer in that context, yet it's evident he holds the 24-year-old in high regard – and knows Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder feels the same way.

"I don't want players at Premier League clubs, I want players playing, preferably in the Premier League," he stressed. "Suddenly, I've got David McGoldrick and him at the same club. Let's hope they all play."

"He (Robinson) always impressed me in the Championship. He's got the pace and power to cope with the Premier League. He'll be a real asset for Sheffield United."

Irish Independent