James McCarthy won’t be viewing Ireland game against Poland on Wednesday night as a friendly encounter. The Wigan midfielder, who was honoured as the FAI Young International Player of the Year on Sunday night, sees the game as crucial preparation for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria. “It’s another big game to be honest; it’s not just a friendly. We’ve got another two qualifiers coming up in the next month so (Trapattoni) is looking to see who can go and do well for him.”

McCarthy has often been liked with a move to a club higher up the league table, with Everton and Arsenal two of the names suggested as possible destinations recently. When asked about the speculation, and how it affected his game, McCarthy told reporters he doesn’t fall prey to the idle speculation of the press, and won’t entertain notions of a move away from Wigan until it becomes a reality. “I don’t think too far ahead. It’s just paper talk and people link me with it. Until that bid comes in, until you’re at the training ground with them…I don’t get too far ahead.”

McCarhty was speaking to reporters following the Three/FAI International football awards on Sunday night and you can listen to the interview in full via the player below