Everton manager Ronald Koeman has continued the row over James McCarthy’s role with the Republic of Ireland squad.

Last month the Dutchman criticised national team manager Martin O’Neill for starting the midfielder in both World Cup qualifiers, against Moldova and Georgia.

O’Neill named McCarthy in his latest squad yesterday, and hit back at the comments.

“James had declared himself fit,” O’Neill said at the team announcement. “He didn’t come off through injury (against Moldova), he came off through tiredness.

“Remarkably, he actually trained with Everton on the day his manager was bleating about it.”

Koeman remains unimpressed.

Another international break, another @Everton run in with @FAIreland over the fitness of James McCarthy. Koeman not a happy man @PAdugout pic.twitter.com/97ykZlIvDV

— Rich McCarthy (@VJRichMcCarthy) November 3, 2016

“The player is not fit, the player is not involved in team sessions. ” he said today at a press conference. “I Think to have a call-up, he needs to be close to being fit.

“We spoke to James; my advice to James is to stay here.”