James McCarthy hoping for starting role against Germany

James McCarthy is hoping that his assured displays will see him win a starting berth for Republic of Ireland against Germany in next month's World Cup qualifier.

Having started the last two games in central midfield for Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side, he is optimistic that he has done enough to begin the clash taking place on October 12.

Speaking to Goal.com, McCarthy said that he is happy with his performances, and hopes he has played his way into the manager's plans.

"I'll wait and see, obviously it's the manager's choice," McCarthy said. "It's about working hard in training and showing him what I can do. We have Keith [Andrews] coming back, and we have a lot of competition for places.

"Hopefully I've given him a headache. He's been happy with me. I'm happy to have gone in and done the job for him. Hopefully he was pleased tonight."

Republic of Ireland played more of a passing game against Oman at Craven Cottage than they did against Kazakhstan on the artificial pitch in Astana, and McCarthy attributes the change in style to the playing surface.

"It was a bit tough in Kazakhstan with the pitch, it wasn't great, and it was dry out there too," McCarthy admitted.

"It was good to get it down tonight and knock it about. It's a better park out there. The grass was wet, we could get the ball down and pass it. At times we tried to play on Friday night, but it wasn't on to play the ball."

"They just sat in with two banks of four, and tried to soak up pressure. Eventually we got the two goals. I think it was just good to get the three points"

McCarthy was full of praise for two of Ireland's debutantes, with Sunderland's David Meyler starting in central midfield and Manchester United's Robbie Brady having a goalscoring debut on the wing.

"I know Meyler from the Under-21s. He's a great lad, and good to play alongside," McCarthy said. "The same with Robbie. He's a great lad, and he's come in and got a goal as well. I was delighted for him.

"He really showed what he was all about. He's a great talent. He just needs to keep working hard at the club, and hopefully he'll get in the squad next month. You can see he's a great player a mile off. He's a great all-round player."

Keith Andrews returns from suspension for Ireland's World Cup qualifier with Germany in October, and McCarthy could find himself watching from the bench. The 21-year-old is under no illusions that he will start at Croke Park against the top seeds.

"There's a lot of competition in midfield," McCarthy said. "But you have to take your chance. He'll give you your chance, and if you go in and prove you're good enough, then he'll keep picking you."