The Wigan midfielder has taken the decision to withdraw from contention for the summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine after his father's diagnosis with cancer
Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy has ruled himself out of Ireland's Euro 2012 campaign after his father was diagnosed with cancer.
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The midfielder was originally due to be part of Giovanni Trapattoni's 23-man squad for the tournament this summer in Poland and Ukraine but the Italian revealed at Monday's press conference that the Latics man had taken the decision to withdraw.
"Last week, he called me. He told me what happened in his family," Trapattoni told the assembled press.
"I said to him: 'I'm sorry, I'm very, very sorry'. He has decided to stay at home because he has a very heavy duty to his parents."
The Italian has also assured McCarthy, 21, that he will be part of Ireland's World Cup qualification campaign which begins in the autumn.
"I said: 'You are in our plans for the future'," Trapattoni confirmed.
McCarthy issued a statement following the announcement regarding his father's health.
"I have made the difficult decision to withdraw my name from selection for the Euro 2012 squad following the diagnosis of my father with cancer and ongoing requirement for treatment," he declared.
"I have discussed this with the manager. He was very understanding and I thank him sincerely for that.
"I take this opportunity to re-affirm my complete commitment to playing for the Republic of Ireland. It is a huge honour and a source of great pride for me and my family.
"Despite not being present, I would like to wish the manager and my teammates every success at the tournament and I hope the Irish fans can understand the reason for my decision at this difficult time."
