Everton manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that Republic of Ireland put midfielder James McCarthy at risk of injury by over-playing him during the international break.
McCarthy has not played for Everton since August 23 after injuring his groin, but played 90 minutes for Martin O'Neill's Ireland team against Georgia last week and then another 81 minutes against Moldova on Sunday.
Koeman believes the 25-year-old's return for Everton could be delayed as a result. He said: 'When James came back from Ireland the message from Everton's medical staff was that he was massively overloaded.
'I would like to have more commitment from the player for Everton because we pay him, but he was in a very difficult situation.