Mack Hansen is set to take his place on the Ireland team despite training with strapping on his right hand today ahead of their final test of the year against South Africa at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow (KO 5.40pm).
Both McCarthy and coach Kevin O'Connell downplayed the impact the injury will have on his preparation for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, but it was clear Wednesday that McCarthy was not 100%. He wore padding on the hand, which O'Connell said was to protect against another round of swelling, and did not throw any right-handed passes during the portion of practice open to reporters.