Roy Keane responds to Ronald Koeman’s comments, claims James McCarthy looks sharp in training

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Roy Keane has commented on James McCarthy’s displays in training.

Republic of Ireland assistant coach Roy Keane

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane has told the Irish Sun that he understands Ronald Koeman’s concerns about James McCarthy – but says the player has been ‘quite sharp’ in training.

Ireland play two World Cup qualifiers this week, as they take on Georgia and Moldova in a bid to move closer to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

France’s Paul Pogba in action with Republic of Ireland’s James McCarthy

Unfortunately for manager Martin O’Neill, he has a number of injuries to contend with. Keiren Westwood, Stephen Quinn, Aiden McGeady, Anthony Pilkington, Kevin Doyle and Daryl Murphy are all out injured, whilst Mark Wilson is also out.

There may be better news on the horizon concerning James McCarthy though, with the Everton midfielder looking to return to first-team action.

McCarthy, 25, hasn’t featured for Everton since being hauled off in the 38^th minute of the game against West Bromwich Albion on the 20^th of August, having undergone surgery on a groin problem.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman

Now getting back to fitness, McCarthy is in the Ireland squad, which has prompted Everton manager Ronald Koeman to urge caution from O’Neill and assistant Keane, reminding them that the midfielder hasn’t played for over a month, as quoted by RTE.

Ahead of Thursday’s clash with Georgia, Keane has told the Irish Sun that he understands Koeman’s concerns, and Everton’s wishes will be taken into account when it comes to McCarthy.

Keane added that he thinks McCarthy will be available against Georgia, and has come through training well, even looking ‘quite sharp’ according to Keane as he offered an update on McCarthy’s fitness.

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane

“That is understandable. To be fair, since we’ve come on board we’ve always been totally up front and forward with the clubs,” said Keane. “We obviously respect that and will continue to. I don’t think we’ve ever yet put a player in where we thought we were taking a massive risk with him and almost going against the club’s wishes. We take that on board, of course we do.”

“James did a bit on Monday, we had a bit of a game on Tuesday and he’s come through it, no reaction. I’d like to think he’d be available for Thursday. Obviously we’ve been getting medical feedback from the club doctor and our own doctor but the most important feedback I always look for is from the player. He seems really upbeat and actually looked quite sharp in training,” he added.