The Ireland boss's namesake is patiently awaiting his first-team return over a year after he suffered an horrific double leg break against West Bromwich Albion.
James McCarthy has been a regular on the Everton bench in the last few weeks and is expected to feature in the match-day squad for Tuesday’s English Premier League visit to Cardiff City.
Ireland scouts will be at that game and Mick McCarthy would love to see the 28-year-old have some involvement in order to regain his sharpness.
“I have been in regular contact with James since I returned to the Ireland job and I know how hard he has worked to get himself back to fitness,” said Mick McCarthy.
“The one thing James needs now as we look to Gibraltar and Georgia next month is game time and he knows that.
“James is a top quality Premier League player with 41 international caps already to his name. I would love to be in a position to name him in my squad and I need him to play for Everton.
“That could be with the first team or it could be with the Under 23s. I don’t mind. I even thought a top Championship club would look for James in the last transfer window. I just need him back playing and soon.”
As manager McCarthy and his coaching staff continue to monitor players ahead of that squad announcement with two players added to the injury list at the weekend.
Ciaran Clark missed Newcastle United’s 2-0 win at home to Huddersfield Town, while Sheffield United’s John Egan went off at half-time in their 1-0 Championship victory at West Brom.
“My medical team tell me Ciaran [Clark] will be out for two weeks with a knee injury. He needs treatment but should be back by the middle of March and in time for Gibraltar,” added the Ireland boss.
“John [Egan] is having treatment on a tight calf muscle and hopes to be fit in time for the Sheffield derby against Wednesday on March 4th.
“The good news this weekend was that Robbie Brady played the last 10 minutes of Burnley’s win over Spurs when he went on for Jeff Hendrick. We all know Robbie is a class act so that is good news.”
Manager McCarthy saw Sean Maguire score Preston North End’s third goal in their 3-1 win at Millwall and also took note of the Callum O’Dowda goal for Bristol City in their 3-2 defeat at Championship rivals Norwich City.
“That was some finish from Callum but it doesn’t surprise me,” said Mick. “I have watched Callum a number of times now and he is in great form with Bristol.
“It was a good weekend for goals for us. Aiden McGeady scored again for Sunderland, Sean Maguire was really impressive against Millwall and both Patrick Bamford and Will Keane scored from the penalty spot.”
The scouting focus will focus on the SSE Airtricity League and the Championship on Monday night.
Assistant Coach Robbie Keane will be in Dalymount Park for the top of the table clash between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, while McCarthy will be represented at the City Ground when Nottingham Forest welcome Derby County.
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