McCarthy confident of facing Sweden

James McCarthy is confident he will recover from injury in time to start for the Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2016 opener against Sweden.

The Republic have been monitoring the 25-year-old’s fitness after he arrived at their training camp carrying an injury he picked up in Everton’s final day win over Norwich that affects both his groin and hamstring.

McCarthy’s tenacity and drive from midfield mean he is seen as a key part of his country’s chances of making it through to the last 16 in France, and he has now revealed he is confident of facing the Swedes on Monday.

Martin O’Neill’s men are currently 3.25 to win at the Stade de France, with the draw 3.00 and the Scandinavians at 2.38.

With Belgium and Italy also in Group E, a winning start could be crucial and having McCarthy available will be a huge boost to O’Neill, as the Boys in Green look to better their performance of four years ago when they lost all three group games.

The Everton star admits he has been encouraged by his progress in recent days and is optimistic he will be ready to start his side’s opener in Paris.

“Yes, I should be fine,” McCarthy told reporters. “I’ve trained with the team the last couple of days and hopefully now I can step it up. “It’s obviously good to be back training again with the squad and hopefully now I can kick on and step up the fitness.”

The Republic are currently 11.00 to top Group E, with Belgium the 2.05 favourites, while the Azzurri are 2.80 and the Swedes are available at 7.00.