Martin O'Neill responds to Koeman's criticism over McCarthy handling

Martin O’Neill has hit back at Everton manager Ronald Koeman's criticism of the Republic of Ireland’s handling of James McCarthy's injury, labelling the Dutchman a 'master tactician of the blame game.'

Koeman had earlier accused O’Neill of 'not protecting the player' as he returned to his club injured after breaking down in the warm up before last weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Wales.

Another Everton player, Seamus Coleman, suffered a break of fibula and tibia in the same game following a second-half tackle from Wales' Neil Taylor.

Koeman didn’t spare his midfielder criticism either, stating: “I spoke to James, and he needs to take responsibility of this. But it is not the first time.”

O’Neill took exception to this and, on Friday evening, in the midst of a full round of League of Ireland fixtures, released the following statement via the FAI:

“The Everton manager, master tactician of the blame game, has struck out in his comments today, criticizing both myself and James McCarthy.

“Perhaps a review of Everton’s pre-season programme might provide some enlightenment.

“James had a magnificent tournament for the Republic of Ireland last summer during Euro 2016, playing his last game in very late June.

“He then returned to Everton after a very short break, but only 11 days later, he played his first of three games, all within an eight-day period, against Real Betis, Manchester United and Espanyol. Overloading?

“It should be added that James last played for his country on the October 9, 2016 – almost half a year ago. Since that time he has been totally under Everton’s supervision.

“James is diligent and conscientious in his professional preparation.

“Perhaps, in this instance, quiet introspection may serve the Everton manager and his medical staff better.”

Earlier on Friday at his weekly press conference, the Everton manager in anticipation of questions from the media over the McCarthy situation read out a prepared statement.

The statement read: “James had an injury when he reported for Ireland duty last week. Our medical team made the Ireland medical team aware of this, of course.

“Everton’s medical team advised extreme caution, not only due to the current injury but due to previous injuries too, and the assessment by the Ireland medical team was that it would be a high risk for James to play against Wales.

“But, of course, James has a strong desire to play for his country. So, when asked if he was fit to play, he said he felt he was fit, and he was selected to start the game by the Ireland manager who, in my opinion, in this instance was not protecting the player.

“Clearly James was not fit to play. He had trained only for two days with Ireland and he broke down during the warming up. I spoke to James, and he needs to take responsibility of this. But it is not the first time.”

After O’Neill’s statement Koeman retorted on Twitter “James McCarthy began his pre-season three and a half weeks after Ireland were knocked out of the Euros. From the master tactician”

Koeman at times adopted an almost furious demeanor during the press conference at the club’s training base.

Donning a pair of glasses, the 78 times capped Dutchman said further details of conversations he has had with McCarthy were 'private' and that any talks with O'Neill and the Football Association of Ireland was a 'case for the club.'

He also admitted it had been 'maybe one of my worst international breaks' due to the injuries sustained by his players.

As well as injuries to the Irish duo, central defender Ramiro Funes Mori is also expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury whilst on duty for Argentina in Bolivia