Koeman: Ireland ‘killed’ McCarthy

EVERTON manager Ronald Koeman yesterday claimed the Republic of Ireland put midfielder James McCarthy at risk of injury by over- playing him during the international break.

McCarthy has not played for Everton since August 23 after injuring his groin, but played 90 minutes for Martin O’Neill’s Ireland team against Georgia last week and then another 81 minutes against Moldova on Sunday.

Koeman believes the 25-year-old’s return for Everton could be delayed as a result. He said: ‘When James came back from Ireland the message from Everton’s medical staff was that he was massively overloaded.

‘I would like to have more commitment from the player for Everton because we pay him, but he was in a very difficult situation.

‘It is ridiculous that he has surgery, five to six weeks out, three training sessions, plays 90 minutes and then, after three days, he plays another 80 minutes. Of course, he is massively overloaded. I don’t do this to my players at Everton because you get injuries again.’

Koeman has not spoken to O’Neill about the issue but is clearly upset that conversations between the Everton medical staff and those working for Ireland did not lead to his player being used more sparingly.

‘If you leave it up to the player to decide, then he is in a difficult situation because he’s between the Everton and Irish teams,’ added Koeman.

‘The players are committed to Ireland but there was contact between the medical teams of Everton and Ireland and still he plays 90 minutes after five to six weeks out.

‘You hope something like this would be solved by the understanding of the doctor of the Ireland team or the manager.

‘They asked him if he was ready to play. It is very difficult for a player to say no because he is in Ireland.

‘Sometimes you like to have a bit more understanding for a player who has been out injured for six weeks.

‘ Play him for 45 minutes, 60 minutes, but not 95 minutes after five to six weeks out.

‘The second time, 80 minutes! You are killing the player.’

Everton face Premier League leaders Manchester City tomorrow and Koeman, who also saw his right back Seamus Coleman play 180 minutes for Ireland, is holding out hope that McCarthy can be part of his squad.

‘If James can do normal training on Friday then it is possible he can be in the squad,’ he said.

‘Ireland know what I think about it. I hope for more protection for players in the future.’