James McCarthy has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Wales despite once again facing a battle to prove his fitness.
The Everton midfielder has found himself at the centre of a brooding club versus country row in recent months with Toffees boss Ronald Koeman less than impressed with Ireland counterpart Martin O'Neill calling the 26-year-old up to his squad when he has been injured.
McCarthy missed Saturday's 3-0 Premier League victory over West Brom with a hamstring problem, but having assured O'Neill he expects to train this week, was named in a 39-man provisional squad on Monday morning.