Koeman surprise at McCarthy call to provisional Irish squad
James McCarthy (left) pictured alongside Shane Long at Republic of Ireland squad training last March. Photo: David Maher/Sportsfile
Ronald Koeman has expressed his surprise at James McCarthy's inclusion in the provisional Ireland squad for next week's World Cup double-header with Moldova and Wales.
And the Dutchman wants McCarthy to be responsible about his well-being and avoid another club-v-country spat.
Martin O'Neill suggested on Tuesday that it would be a risk to throw the Glaswegian in considering he hasn't played this season due to injury. He fell out with Koeman over his use of the player last term and the Dutchman's words indicate that another row would follow in the event of a shock comeback.
McCarthy is due to return to training with the rest of the Everton group tomorrow. "He can be part of training on Friday but his last game was in July, I think that's the answer," said Koeman.
"If they call James for the Irish national team then he needs to go because that is a FIFA rule. What I expect from every Everton player is don't take risks when it's not necessary. We still pay the salaries of the players."
