Like his chairman, Roberto Martinez doesn't have much time for Roy Keane's insinuations about Everton's handling of their Irish contingent. At today's press conference, he described the allegation that Everton pressure their players into dodging international duty as 'complete nonsense'.
Roy had suggested that Everton almost give the impression that Coleman and McCarthy 'can't even walk' before they land in for international duty. And then lo and behold, they can walk.
He did not mention Roy Keane by name, but stuck the old 'a lot has been said in the media...' way of dealing with the topic. The elephant was rampaging around the room and no one needed to know his name.
Every player at this club loves to play for their country... A lot has been said in the media and it is a lot of nonsense. Everton's relationship with the football associations is good and will continue to be good.
It is not for me to comment on but it is complete nonsense. We have four incredible characters - Coleman, McCarthy, Aiden McGeady and Darron Gibson - and four who love to play for their country. It is disappointing to see news in the media that could put that in jeopardy.
He reassured Irish fans that our boys at Goodison are desperate to play for their country and he will do nothing to stand in their way.
All the fans in the Republic of Ireland need to know the players would give their life to play for their country.
