Ireland midfielder James McCarthy is confident he will be fit for the start of Euro 2016

Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy is confident he will be fit for the Euro 2016 opener against Sweden following a fitness scare.

The 25-year-old feared the worst when he suffered a double injury to his groin and hamstring in Everton's final match of the season against Norwich.

But McCarthy was eased back into action on Monday after the Ireland squad had re-assembled in Cork and has gradually stepped up his work throughout the week.

Skipper Robbie Keane and fellow striker Jonathan Walters are both recovering from injuries as well, with the former taking part in light training on Friday, but McCarthy seems to be at an advanced stage with his rehabilitation.

Asked if he would be ready to line up against the Swedes at the Stade de France of June 13, McCarthy said: "Yes, I should be fine.

"I've trained with the team the last couple of days and hopefully now I can step it up. It's obviously good to be back training again with the squad and hopefully now I can kick on and step up the fitness."

Manager Martin O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane have kept his fingers crossed with McCarthy a key member of his team, and his return to fitness will have come as a relief.

He initially told the media the player's injury was a thigh problem, although it has since emerged that was not the case.

McCarthy said: "It's hamstring, groin - it's a bit of both, to be honest - but as I say, I am back training and delighted to be back with the squad."

Ireland are determined to improve upon their showing Poland four years ago when they returned home without a single point from their three games.

McCarthy ruled himself out of contention for the Euro 2012 competition after his father was diagnosed with cancer, is keen to make the most of this tournament.

"There's a massive excitement about the place, but we'll take it a game at a time and we won't get too carried away," McCarthy said.

"Obviously the boss and the likes of Roy and the backroom staff, they know how important it is to not look too far forward.

"We have got a tough group, don't get me wrong, but we'll take it a game at a time. Each and everyone one of us who is going on the plane and travelling to France, we know it's going to be tough, but there's a real excitement about the place and we are looking forward to it."

Euro 2016 Qualifiers