Keane slams Everton for McCarthy injury

Everton and the Republic of Ireland's frosty relationship was summed up today by Roy Keane's response to James McCarthy pulling out of the Ireland squad.

Earlier this season, Everton boss Ronald Koeman said McCarthy had been "massively overloaded" by his country after starting consecutive games upon return from injury.

McCarthy returned to Everton and soon picked up a hamstring injury but was picked nonetheless by Ireland. However, the midfielder withdrew from the squad upon being selected.

After Koeman pointed the finger at Ireland for the injuries to McCarthy, Keane said that he believes the problem may lie with Everton.

"We've had a problem with Roberto Martinez previously - I always felt the Everton players were going to turn up on crutches or crawling in the hotel door," Keane said.

"They shouldn't be so quick to stop Irish players coming to play for Ireland.

"[Darron Gibson] misses a hell of a lot of games for Everton... so maybe they need to look at their own training schedule".

The former United star then had a pop at Everton's lack of silverware in recent years.

He added: "I'm not sure when they last won a trophy, so maybe as a club, their players need to toughen up a bit".

He continued: "They're lucky to have the Irish lads they've got there. Traditionally, Everton have always had brilliant Irish players, doing well for the football club.

"They shouldn't be so quick stopping Irish players coming to play for Ireland. I've experienced that myself".