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Ronald Koeman 'talking rubbish' on James McCarthy - Ireland source

Ireland's midfielder James McCarthy attend a training session at the Montbauron Stadium in Versailles on June 15, 2
Image: James McCarthy was injured in the warm-up ahead of Ireland's draw with Wales

The Republic of Ireland management team are understood to be furious over Ronald Koeman's latest comments on James McCarthy.

The Everton manager this week accused Martin O'Neill of failing to provide McCarthy with enough "protection" and ignoring advice of Goodison Park medical staff and experts in the Irish camp.

McCarthy pulled up with a recurrence of a hamstring problem in the warm-up ahead of their 0-0 draw with Wales on Friday night.

Sky Sports News HQ understands that McCarthy and the Irish medical staff were happy that the midfielder was fit to play on Friday. One source told SSNHQ today that Koeman's accusations were "absolute nonsense".

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"To suggest that we ignored the advice of the our medical team is total rubbish," the source said. "Mr Koeman needs to check his facts before he says such things."

We understand O'Neill tried to contact Koeman on several occasions before Christmas after their latest fall-out. However, Koeman failed to return his calls.

Behind the scenes the FAI are frustrated that by what they see as Koeman's unwillingness to talk to them, whilst being willing to discuss his concerns with the media.

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Highlights of the group D World Cup Qualifier between Republic of Ireland against Wales at the Aviva stadium

They also feel they are getting the blame for McCarthy's continuing hamstring problems, which have, until Friday, all happened whilst players for Everton.

Koeman said on Wednesday: "It was a final decision against the [judgement of the] medical staff of Ireland and also against the medical staff of Everton. And there are two people responsible for that.

"One is the player by himself. Finally, if he says, 'Yes. I'm fit', okay, but even the player needs protection from the manager and, once again, they didn't give that protection to the player."

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