The international break is over but the plot is looking to continue.
After none of Ireland’s Everton players featured in last night’s game against USA, Roberto Martinez is hopeful that they could all be available this weekend for club duty. Maybe.
Whilst Martin O’Neill confirmed that leaving Seamus Coleman on the bench during Cyrus Christie’s impressive debut was his own choice, neither Darron Gibson or James McCarthy were available for selection, having both travelled back to Goodison.
O’Neill did state that he would expect McCarthy to be available for the club at the weekend after not making it back in time for his country. But Everton boss, Martinez, says that McCarthy is still a doubt for Saturday’s Premier League fixtures.
“James was desperate to be involved with his national team but he couldn’t make it,” the Spaniard commented on Everton’s club website. “We will try to get him fit for West Ham but it is a bit too early to tell. He hasn’t been able to train with the team and that is a worry on a Tuesday leading up to a Saturday game.
“It’s James’ second injury of this nature in the last month and that’s a bit of a worry. We need to give him perfect treatment and make sure he is fully fit.
“Darron Gibson played against Scotland and got a bit of soreness in his knee. He had a year-long lay-off with his ligaments, so we need to be cautious. But I’m very confident he will be available to train very soon.”
In his pre-match press conference on Monday, Ireland manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that he would be speaking to Martinez after Roy Keane’s comments claimed that Roberto was overworking the Irish players. In the wake of last night’s victory though, O’Neill still hadn’t called but he confirmed that he will also need to contact the club chairman.
“I haven’t got a chance to phone. We had a game tonight, I haven’t done so,” he said. “I spoke to Roberto last Monday about the players, indivdualised each player and so I know what I’ll have to say. I’ll have to speak to Mr Kenwright as well.”
