James McCarthy pulls out of Republic of Ireland squad

Everton midfielder James McCarthy has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier with Austria due to a hamstring injury.

McCarthy has been the subject of disagreement between club and country recently after Ireland boss Martin O'Neill started the midfielder in both of his internationals last month, despite the player not having featured for Everton since August.

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman last week revealed that he had advised McCarthy to withdraw from the squad and focus on returning to full fitness, but stressed that the final decision was down to the player.

The FAI has now announced that McCarthy will miss Saturday's Group D clash in Vienna having not played since October 15 at club level.

Ireland currently sit second in Group D, level on points with leaders Serbia.