IRELAND ROW FLARES AGAIN

RONALD KOEMAN has warned midfielder James McCarthy to put Everton first in the Blues boss’ latest row with Martin O’Neill.

Republic of Ireland boss O’Neill has called up McCarthy for their final two World Cup qualifiers, although he has been out since July with a knee injury. McCarthy annoyed Koeman (above) when he aggravated a hamstring injury on international duty in March after he told him to be careful, sparking a bitter war of words between the Dutchman and O’Neill.

McCarthy is almost ready for training and Koeman has told him to prioritise Everton.

“I expect that from every player – not only McCarthy,” he emphasised. “What I expect from every Everton player is not to take risks when it is unnecessary.”