Giovanni Trapattoni: 'James McCarthy should seize opportunity'

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has demanded that midfielder James McCarthy seize the chance to prove himself against the world's best.

Ireland face Spain in a friendly game on Tuesday where the Wigan Athletic man will come up against Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.

"Yesterday I said to James, 'you have this great opportunity to play against the famous and most important players'," Trapattoni told reporters.

"Because I became famous when I was like James. I was in midfield. Against Pele, Cruyff, Eusebio. They were the best players in the world.

"I grew because I took confidence because I could play against them. So he must believe. He has vision, he has good shooting, he should be more enterprising."

McCarthy has won 14 caps for Ireland since making his debut in 2010.