Ronald Koeman made it very clear that he was unhappy with Martin O'Neill's use of James McCarthy earlier this month when he described the Republic of Ireland boss as "killing the player" by giving him starts against both Georgia and Moldova.
Those outings for Ireland were McCarthy's first in six weeks, but after returning to action at club level in Everton's 1-1 draw against Man City at the Etihad Stadium, the former Wigan man was absent from his side's loss to Burnley at the weekend.
It became apparent that McCarthy had picked up another injury, but the extent of the damage was not known, it has since been revealed in The Guardian that Ireland will be without the midfielder for the crucial qualifier against Austria next month as McCarthy has torn his hamstring as will be out for "several weeks".
Ronald Koeman’s concerns over the fitness of James McCarthy have been realised with the Everton midfielder facing an extended spell on the sidelines with a torn hamstring.
McCarthy appeared as a late substitute in Everton’s draw at Manchester City after the World Cup double-header, his first appearance at club level since 23 August.
However, he was absent from the squad who lost at Burnley on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring tear sustained in training.
While it is not what we needed to hear at all, it should give Harry Arter the chance to shine in midfield that his form over the past 12 months has richly deserved, provided he himself can stay fit.
McCarthy attended Celtic's Bet Fred Cup Final victory over Rangers on Sunday, and thus sparked a flood of Celtic fans crying out for their club to swoop and sign him in January.
James McCarthy CSC ?? pic.twitter.com/y9ajUH6CaY
— Jamie Fulton (@Jfulto92) October 23, 2016
Imagine we signed James McCarthy to replace Bitton? Love that to happen.
— George Just (@gjust67) October 24, 2016
Please Glasgow Celtic @celticfc bring James McCarthy @JMcCarthy_16 home ??
— Chris Walsh (@chriskwalsh89) October 23, 2016
Bitton out for James McCarthy and that team will put 5 past any team in Scotland
— duffy (@Duffy1797) August 27, 2016
McCarthy was linked with a move to Celtic during the summer, but decided to stay and fight for his place under Koeman at Everton, where it remains to be seen whether or not he is in the Dutchman's long term plans.
The news is not likely to make Martin O'Neill very happy at all, especially considering how bad Shane Long's hamstring injury looked last week, and will surely make the Everton boss even less impressed with the Irish managerial team's decision to play him in both October qualifiers.
