The Everton midfielder has been at the centre of a club versus country row.
Tony Cascarino has suggested that James McCarthy’s chances of forcing his way back into the Everton team have not been helped by the recent club versus country row that he has been at the centre of, The Irish Sun reports.
The midfielder became the focal point of the spat after Toffees boss Ronald Koeman’s unhappiness over the 25-year-old featuring in the Republic of Ireland’s internationals last month, despite carrying an injury in the weeks leading up to the games, was met with Ireland assistant Roy Keane questioning how Everton look after their players (via The Guardian).
Tottenham’s Danny Rose in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
And Cascarino fears that with McCarthy’s Goodison Park future already looking somewhat bleak – he has only made a handful of appearances this season – this row will do little for his prospects on Merseyside.
“There was already a question mark over his Toffees future following the sacking of Roberto Martinez,” he told The Irish Sun.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
“It’s not clear how central a part he has in Koeman’s plans.
“This carry-on is not going to help his cause in terms of holding down a regular place in the Everton team.”
Republic of Ireland assistant coach Roy Keane
Though McCarthy has prevented the row flaring up further by withdrawing ahead of the upcoming internationals, the argument surely does put him in a difficult position.
Unless he is somewhere near his peak fitness levels, he may worry when future squads are named that not putting the club first during that particular break will have a negative impact on his position in the Everton pecking order.
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