Koeman hopes McCarthy will drop out of Ireland squad

Koeman was left fuming last time McCarthy came back from Ireland duty and started two games on the back of an injury. Soon after returning to his club, he picked up a hamstring injury and Koeman is hopeful that McCarthy will not go on international duty in the next international break.

"The player is not fit and not involved in team sessions," the Everton manager said. "To have a call-up he needs to be close to being fit but it’s a bit of the same story as to what happened last time. We spoke to James and my advice to him is to stay here, train and get fit as soon as possible. But the final decision is down to the player.

"We spoke about what I want. It starts from playing for Everton. The player has learned from last time when he was overloaded and got another injury. First be fit, train with your club then you are ready for the national team. Not vice-versa.

"It’s difficult for him because he is between Everton and Ireland but first you must do what is best for your club. If you are ready then you can play for your national team but he needs to be fit first. In this situation he needs to be fit again".