The Everton boss was not happy about O’Neill’s use of James McCarthy.
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has hit back at Everton manager Ronald Koeman’s recent criticism of his use of James McCarthy, speaking to the Daily Mail.
The Everton midfielder recently played in both of his country’s World Cup qualifying wins against Georgia and Moldova.
That drew complaints from his club manager, who was not pleased by his player, who has been beset by injuries in recent years, playing twice inside 72 hours.
Most of his ire was aimed at O’Neill and his medical team, with the Dutchman claiming they were ‘killing the player’.
That is criticism that the Republic of Ireland boss has not taken lightly, though, hitting back with his comments to the Daily Mail.
“I have been involved in club and international management for a considerable time and I take exception to the remarks made,” he said.
“James played in our home game against Georgia last Thursday, and came through the match with no ill effects.
“Accordingly, he started the game against Moldova last Sunday. Naturally, he tired in the second half and was substituted, but not through injury.”
It remains to be seen if McCarthy does suffer any ill effects from his busy week on international duty.
In truth, he is unlikely to get into Everton’s midfield anyway given that they have Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye starring in central midfield at present.
That does not mean Ireland’s use of him was not risky, though, and this is likely to be a debate between club and country that rages on for quite some time.
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