Name: James McCarthy
Country: Republic of Ireland
Position: Central Midfielder
McCarthy played a key role in Ireland’s qualifying campaign.
When Republic of Ireland finished in the play-off spot in their Euro 2016 qualification group they would have been delighted after a tough campaign, but that delight would have been replaced with nerves when they were drawn to face Bosnia & Herzegovina.
With the likes of Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic in their ranks it was never going to be an easy tie, but McCarthy helped keep the latter quiet over the course of the two matches, as Ireland, who also had Toffees team-mate Seamus Coleman in their starting XI, secured a 3-1 aggregate win.
It was an impressive performance form Martin O’Neill’s men and they will be hoping they can upset a few teams in France next summer.
