Roberto Martinez says James McCarthy was ‘desperate to be involved’ with Ireland

Roberto Martinez says that it's too early to tell if Irish midfielder James McCarthy will feature in this weekend's Premier League clash with West Ham.

McCarthy missed out on Ireland’s European championship qualifier game with Scotland last Friday night with complaints of a hamstring injury forcing him back to his club for additional treatment.

McCarthy injured his hamstring in Everton’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland the weekend previous to that and was unable to take part in training at Malahide’s Gannon Park at all last week.

Last Sunday morning Irish assistant manager Roy Keane said that the availability of Everton players for Irish selection may need to be addressed in talks with the club manager.

McCarthy has played from start to finish in 10 of Everton’s 11 league games this season while featuring in just one since the summer for Martin O’Neill, the win in Georgia.

Talking to the club’s official website Martinez said that “James was desperate to be involved with his national team but he couldn’t make it.

“We will try to get him fit for West Ham but it is a bit too early to tell. He hasn’t been able to train with the team and that is a worry on a Tuesday leading up to a Saturday game.

“It’s James’ second injury of this nature in the last month and that’s a bit of a worry. We need to give him perfect treatment and make sure he is fully fit.

Meanwhile Darron Gibson, who complained of a sore knee after playing 70 minutes in that qualifier defeat to Scotland, is set for a swift recovery.

“Darron Gibson played against Scotland and got a bit of soreness in his knee. He had a year-long lay-off with his ligaments, so we need to be cautious. But I’m very confident he will be available to train very soon.”