The Toffees boss has been urged to indulge in some "quiet introspection" regarding his midfielder's fitness issues in an outspoken statement
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has fired back at Ronald Koeman in the row over James McCarthy's fitness – labelling his Everton counterpart as the "master tactician of the blame game".
Everton midfielder McCarthy will miss Saturday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield with a hamstring injury he sustained while away with his country during the recent international break.
McCarthy was absent for Everton's previous two matches, leaving his club boss clearly displeased at his Friday news conference, where he read a prepared statement on the matter.