Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy says it is great to see James McCarthy given a chance at Crystal Palace.
The Eagles decided to splash the cash last week as they landed two midfielders just before deadline day.
Manager Roy Hodgson drafted in Victor Camarasa and McCarthy, with the former arriving on a season-long loan deal from Real Betis.
Palace have the option to sign Camarasa on a permanent basis, while McCarthy moved south for £3million.
The 28-year-old had one year left on his contract at Goodison Park but he decided to opt for a new challenge after six years on Merseyside.
After making 133 appearances for Everton, McCarthy will add some experience to the Palace midfield.
Hodgson decided to give McCarthy, Camarasa and fellow new signing Gary Cahill some extra time to prove their fitness and the trio were all involved in an U23s clash with Birmingham City on Monday
McCarthy came through against Blues unscathed as he showed no signs of rustiness after a year on the sidelines with a broken leg.
The mission for McCarthy now is to claim a spot in Hodgson’s first team and that in turn might lead to a recall to the Republic of Ireland squad.
Ireland are next in action on September 5 when they take on Switzerland in a European Championships qualifier.
They then face Bulgaria in a friendly but the two games may come too soon for the new Palace man.
Former Wolves boss McCarthy says it is great to see him in contention and he is confident he can be part of his plans soon.
He told the Irish Examiner: “It was good just to see James out there for 90 minutes on a football pitch. “These are only baby steps for him but he is back now and looking forward to a new start with Palace.
Roy is really looking forward to working with James at Palace and so am I with Ireland. I’ve kept in touch with James over the summer and look forward to seeing him back in the international squad.”
McCarthy might get a chance to showcase his talent at Sheffield United on Sunday, although he is likely to start the game in the bench.
Luka Milivojevic, James McArthur and Max Meyer were the Eagles’ midfield three against Everton last weekend but McCarthy will be doing all he can in the coming weeks to move in front of them.
After the game against the Blades, they face Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
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