McCarthy decided to rest four players who are on yellow cards for Ireland's final World Cup qualifier. Robbie Keane, Jason McAteer, Mark Kinsella and Kenny Cunningham all sit out the game after picking up yellow cards in previous qualifiers.
"We've suffered in the past with injuries and suspensions and I don't want it to happen again if I can help it," insisted McCarthy.
"Take Robbie Keane, for example. Let's say he's through on goal and the referee blows up for an offside. Robbie kicks the ball away in frustration, gets a card, and suddenly he's out of the next game a one-off play-off. How would I feel then?
"I'm gave a lot of thought to the implications of picking the players on a yellow card," he added.
Republic of Ireland team: Given (Newcastle United); Finnan (Fulham), Breen (Coventry City), Staunton (Aston Villa), Harte (Leeds United); Kennedy (Wolves), Roy Keane (Manchester United), Holland (Ipswich Town), Kilbane (Sunderland); Connolly (Wimbledon), Quinn (Sunderland).