LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Roberto Martinez offers Kevin Mirallas immediate Belgium reprieve, insists no problem between the pair

Kevin Mirallas celebrates with manager Roberto Martinez (R) after scoring the second goal for Everton (Reuters)
Follow us on Google Discover

The pair appeared to have a fractured relationship at Everton last season.

Kevin Mirallas celebrates with manager Roberto Martinez (R) after scoring the second goal for EvertonKevin Mirallas celebrates with manager Roberto Martinez (R) after scoring the second goal for Everton

Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who was sacked at the end of last season, has announced his first Belgium squad ahead of a friendly game with his home nation Spain and a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

There were few surprises in the squad, accept perhaps one of his former Everton players.

Everton's Kevin Mirallas celebrates scoring their first goal with Gerard Deulofeu, Leighton Baines and Romelu LukakuEverton’s Kevin Mirallas celebrates scoring their first goal with Gerard Deulofeu, Leighton Baines and Romelu Lukaku

Martinez has called up Kevin Mirallas.

The forward and the Spanish manager seemed to have something of a fractured relationship at Goodison Park toward the end of last season.

Mirallas was dropped from the Everton first team toward the end of last season and the two did not appear to be on good terms.

Kevin Mirallas scores the first goal for EvertonKevin Mirallas scores the first goal for Everton

But Mirallas has started the season in good form for Everton and Martinez insisted in his press conference today that there is no issue between the pair.

He stated:

“I don’t think there is anything to forget. As a player you always want to play, you should not have a player who is happy not playing.

“I just feel with Kevin he has started the season well. He is the sharpest I have seen for a long time. It is good for the Red Devils to get the player in form.

“It has never been an issue.”

Everton manager Roberto MartinezFormer Everton manager Roberto Martinez

Mirallas will now be hoping to force his way into the Belgium first XI, along with current and former Everton teammates Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini.

The 28-year-old has 50 caps for the Red Devils, scoring nine goals, but was left out of the Euro 2016 squad after falling out of favour at Everton.

He will now be hoping to prove himself a hit under Martinez on this occasion.