Wigan’s James McCarthy has been urged not to be swayed by others in deciding whether to remain with the Republic of Ireland or switch to Scotland.
Club manager Roberto Martinez says the Glasgow-born 19-year-old must listen to his heart after being approached by new Scotland coach Craig Levein.
“I spoke to James and told him he should not listen to anybody,” Martinez told BBC Sport.
“You need to listen to your feeling about where you want to be playing.”
McCarthy has played five times for the Republic’s Under-21s having qualified for them through a Donegal-born grandfather.
He has also become a first-team regular in recent weeks for Wigan following his £1.2m summer move from Hamilton Academical.
And Levein, who has launched a search for new talent with Scottish connections, made a fresh attempt to persuade the midfielder to switch allegiances before a likely first senior appearance confirms his future with Ireland.
But Levein last week reported that he “didn’t receive any encouragement” on that front from the player who previously rejected an approach from Scotland in 2008.
“It is important for any player as representing your country is probably where you are going to be achieving your biggest memories of your career going into World Cups or European Championships,” said Martinez.
“But I have said to James he needs to make his own decision.
“The moment you allow people to influence your decision, you are going to make a wrong decision.”
McCarthy’s choice led to media criticism and chanting from rival fans while playing in the Scottish Premier League for Hamilton, whose manager, Billy Reid criticised the Scotland set-up for failing to choose the midfielder at youth level.
“He is playing for the Under-21s for Republic of Ireland and he has a clear idea of that at the moment,” said Martinez.
“He has played in Scotland for many years, so he understands the football feeling around that country, so I am sure James will come up with the right decision
“I think he should not listen to anyone; maybe his mum and maybe his environment.
“But I know that in Scotland they made a huge meal out of it and they let him know how they felt when he chose Republic of Ireland and probably that could make a bearing on his decision.
“But James is a very mature boy. He is an impressive character and, if he listens to his feeling, he will make the right decision.”
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