Everton boss warns McCarthy not to take 'risks' over fitness

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has given James McCarthy the direction not to take "risks" with his fitness after his latest call-up to the Ireland squad.

Toffees midfielder McCarthy has been the subject of scrutiny by Koeman in the past when away on international duty, with the Dutchman believing that the Ireland management have thrown caution to the wind when choosing to play McCarthy at times when he might have been struggling for full fitness. 

Ireland boss Martin O’Neill admitted that he had not consulted Koeman over McCarthy’s squad inclusion for their must-win World Cup qualifier clashes against Moldova and Wales next month, with that lack of communication perhaps prompting Koeman’s comments.

"I expect that from every player. Not only McCarthy," Koeman said in a press conference today, ahead of his side’s Europa League clash with Apollon Limassol on Thursday, a game which is live on eir Sport 2, with coverage starting at 20:00.

"If you are not fit enough, but what I mentioned every national team are free to call the player and they have their medical team over there.

"What I like is understanding, understanding of the manager and understanding of the medical staff. They are in contact with the medical staff of Everton. The medical staff is talking about his situation and we make it clear to everybody.

"If they call James for the Irish national team then he needs to go because that is a FIFA rule. 

"I expect from an Everton player: don’t take risks when it’s not necessary."

Twenty-six-year-old McCarthy has yet to play for Everton this season due to injury, but trained alongside fellow injury-absentee Phil Jagielka at Everton’s training base at Finch Park this morning. Everton’s club doctors have said that McCarthy should be fit to resume full training on Friday.

"When it’s last game of the season, if it’s a play-off game for the season then everybody understands it’s difficult for the player as you are staying in the middle of your country and your football club," Koeman added.

"But still we pay all the salaries to the players.

"What I expect from the player is always a good communication between them with our medical staff and that is all."

You can watch all of Everton’s Europa League campaign on the eir Sport package. Ronald Koeman's side face Lyon, Atalanta and Apollon Limassol in Group E.

Image: Getty/Alex Livesey

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