McCarthy "needs time in the U-23s"

Everton manager Ronald Koeman says James McCarthy "needs game time in the Under-23s" before being considered for a first-team recall.

Everton face Burnley at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday, but Koeman says the Ireland international is not yet match fit following a knee injury, despite the 26-year-old's inclusion in Martin O’Neill's Ireland squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Wales.

"He did the first part of the session today but not the rest of it," Koeman said on Friday.

"He needs game time first with the Under-23s. That's how players need to come back from a long time out injured."

Nikola Vlasic is in contention to make his full Premier League debut following his goal in Thursday's 2-2 Europa League draw with Apollon Limassol, but Michael Keane [foot] and Phil Jagielka [hamstring] are both fitness doubts for the game against Sean Dyche's men.

"I hope tomorrow I will have some positive news," the Dutchman said. 

"We have to make a decision about Michael and Phil over whether they are available for Sunday. They are doubtful."

Club captain Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to face Burnley, after the former England cpatain suffered a hand injury in Thursday's draw in Cyprus.

"Wayne had a scan of his hand this morning," Koeman continued. 

"There is no fracture and he is okay."

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. Everton face Lyon at Goodison Park on 19 October, a match which will be shown live on eir Sport 2 [kick off 8.05pm]

Photo Getty Images/ Alex Livesey

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