Ireland manager Martin O'Neill says James McCarthy was rested at training today because of Everton's recent heavy schedule.
The Toffees midfielder and Burnley defender Stephen Ward both sat out today's session ahead of next Sunday's vital Euro 2016 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.
O'Neill says McCarthy "played four games in the last ten or 11 days" for Everton so needed a rest, while Ward "had a little bit of difficulty with an injury".
Another Everton man, Darron Gibson, is "carrying a slight groin problem" but O'Neill didn't sound overly worried about all three men.
He also revealed Jonathan Walters is due to hook up with the squad later today. The Ireland boss says the Stoke man was "upbeat" on his fitness despite recent surgery for a fractured cheekbone.
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