Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has promised James McCarthy he will get more chances at international level after a tough first start against Uruguay.
The 20-year-old Wigan midfielder was asked to play the supporting role behind lone striker Shane Long at the Aviva Stadium, on a night when the experience and quality of the South Americans saw them achieve a 3-2 away win. Trapattoni admitted it had been a lot to ask of the youngster, but insisted he should not be too disappointed.
"It wasn't his fault, we are just trying to find his position," he said. "I know exactly how difficult these things are and how difficult it was for him. I am sorry for him because he was a little bit down, but he will have other opportunities in the future."
Ireland found themselves trailing 3-1 at half-time after falling victim to some clinical finishing from the World Cup semi-finalists.
The visitors took the lead with 12 minutes gone when Keith Fahey's clearing header was unwittingly blocked by striker Edinson Cavani to hand skipper Diego Lugano the simplest of chances.
Long levelled with a well-taken header three minutes later, but Uruguay restored their lead after 22 minutes when Cavani was the beneficiary of Maximiliano Pereira's fine run and cross. His fine finish was matched five minutes before the break by Abel Hernandez and Ireland's hopes looked forlorn.
Fahey converted a 48th-minute penalty after defender Martin Caceres had floored both McCarthy and Andy Keogh, although a rousing finish brought no further reward.
Trapattoni admitted the task of assembling a virtually new team in two days had taken its toll, after he released several players and lost others to injury.
He said: "It was difficult especially with a new defence. We lost two balls in midfield and we conceded two goals.
"We were unlucky with the first goal because the header bounced off the player and dropped to their man, but that's football."
Source: PA
