Irish Abroad - Update

James McCarthy was the big Irish mover on transfer deadline day, completing a wholly unsurprising move to Everton, where he will link up with his old manager at Wigan, Roberto Martinez, as well as fellow Irishmen Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson and Shane Duffy. The other big talking point of the day involved Shane Long's proposed move to Hull from West Brom, after the Baggies splashed out on Victor Anichebe. The fact that Steve Clarke was willing to part company with Long is worrying, but the Irish striker needs to kick himself back to the level he's capable of, and the arrival of Anichebe may provide the motivation.

Last weekend was a more disappointing affair for the Irish in the EPL. Although Robbie Brady put in an impressive display against Man City (his defensive effort should be noted by Trapattoni), only Coleman, O'Brien, Walters, Wilson, Westwood, O'Shea, Delaney and Long started for their clubs - a total of nine Irishmen. O'Shea gave away a penalty and was sent off for Sunderland, incurring the wrath of Paolo di Canio in the post-match interviews. In the Championship, Richard Dunne helped QPR to a clean sheet in a 1-0 win at Leeds, while Andy Reid continued his outstanding start to the season with a goal for Forest at Wigan. Across the Atlantic, Robbie Keane brought his tally to 12 goals in 15 games for the Galaxy in the 'California Classico' against San Jose Earthquakes. Anthony Stokes continued his good form for Celtic with the winner at Dundee United. In Ukraine, Darren O'Dea started for Metalurg Donetsk as they lost to Volyn.

Thankfully, the main senior Irish players came through the weekend injury-free. St. Ledger and McGeady have, as expected, lost their battles for fitness, while Joey O'Brien has been retained by West Ham, reportedly for a necessary knee procedure, which is scheduled for the international break. Stephen Kelly has the birth of his child to attend to, but may return to the squad. Anthony Pilkington has joined up with the squad for the first time, and is reportedly in the mix for a place on the wing, along with Brady, McClean, Walters and, worryingly, Simon Cox. Marc Wilson was rated doubtful, but Trapattoni is confident that he will be fit. Bristol Rovers' Greg Cunningham has been called up as a precaution.