McCarthy yet to decide - Martinez

It was thought the 20-year-old had chosen the Republic of Ireland over Scotland when he was named in Giovanni Trapattoni's latest squad earlier this week. Scotland-born McCarthy can still play for both countries as his only senior international appearance for Ireland came in a friendly last year. The former Hamilton player sparked speculation about where his allegiance lay when he withdrew from Trapattoni's squad for last month's Carling Nations Cup game against Wales citing an injury. The Football Association of Ireland then thought they had secured the youngster after Trapattoni met McCarthy on an apparently successful recent trip to England, but Martinez has now suggested that may not be the case. Martinez, speaking at a press conference to preview Wigan's weekend clash with Birmingham, said: "He has been called up for the two games against Macedonia and Uruguay but for the moment James is still focusing on Wigan Athletic. "I am sure it is going to be decided shortly but the focus goes to Birmingham for now. "It is very unfair to try to put him under this massive pressure, it has been growing day by day. "He needs to have time and space to make the right decision as to who he wants to play for at international level. "I don't see it as a deadline for him to make a decision. "I think his career has always been allowed to progress and his international career should be the same. "I don't expect a final decision unless James is ready for it. "When he is ready to decide where to play his international football we will be supportive and happy for him. "The nation that is going to get James McCarthy is going to be a very fortunate one." The Republic squad are due to meet up next Monday ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia on March 26. If McCarthy takes part in any part of that game he will be committed to the Republic, who he has also represented at Under-21 level. One game McCarthy is almost certain to feature in is bottom side Wigan's crucial Premier League encounter with fellow strugglers Birmingham at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Wigan are four points below the safety line and Martinez took advantage of a free weekend last week to take his squad to the Spanish resort of La Manga for a training and team-bonding camp. He said: "We felt it was perfect to go to a completely different environment, with very good facilities to work and train and share our thoughts and have a bit of group therapy between us all - to focus for the last nine games of the season. "We didn't get the weather we expected. I thought a bit of sun for the players to get that extra vitamin would have been good for them but we didn't get that. "I think the weather in Wigan was better than La Manga, which is something you can't say too often! "But we have come back refreshed and ready for what is going to be a crucial but fantastic time."