Republic of Ireland legend Packie Bonner has advised James McCarthy not to have his head turned by Manchester City’s reported interest.
Irish international McCarthy, who has three years left on his contract at Everton, is believed to be on City manager Manuel Pellegrini’s radar.
However, with competition for places rife at the Etihad, former goalkeeper Bonner insists McCarthy should think twice about making a move if he values his international career.
He said: “We don’t want him sitting around the bench and that’s the hard bit. City have the capability now to bring in any player they want and they’ve already got a very big squad.
“Ireland can’t afford McCarthy to leave Everton and not playing regular first team football.”
Despite wanting McCarthy to stay at Goodison Park, Bonner admits the 24-year-old is capable of playing at the highest level.
“James is a wonderful player and a young lad with potential to go on and make that step further,” he said.
“If that next step is Manchester City then it would be a brilliant move for him, but the important thing is to play.”
