McCarthy signs off in style

Hull City 0 Everton 2

The other goal came from Romelu Lukaku, who was making his final appearance for the club before returning to Chelsea, leaving the future of Everton at the feet of players such as McCarthy and the other Irish stars at Goodison Park.

“We have a lot of very good Irish players and Aidan McGeady showed today he’s ready to have a very good season next year,” said manager Roberto Martinez.

The only blemish on McCarthy’s season before yesterday was his failure to hit the target, but Martinez said: “I’m the one to blame for the fact he hasn’t scored before. I don’t let him go forward too much, but he did it today and took advantage. He showed he is a real clinical finisher.

“I knew his potential, but I didn’t think James would adapt so quickly. He has even surprised me and he’s still very young, so will continue to develop and get better.”

McCarthy’s strike came within nine minutes through a well-worked goal that typified the way Martinez wants them to play. Lukaku and Steven Naismith created it with their link-up on the edge of the area and McCarthy was beneficiary.

Hull struggled to locate a genuine response, despite the fact boss Steve Bruce resisted the temptation to rest several of his key players ahead of Saturday’s Cup final.

Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore were among the men not allowed a day off, possibly because a win would have lifted them several places up the table, with each move higher worth £1.2m from the League pool.

Perhaps Wembley was on their mind because Hull struggled to contain Everton, particularly in the first-half when Martinez’s team could have added to their early goal. Lukaku was at the heart of most of their other threats and did get the goal he craved to mark his final appearance for the Blues after the restart.

Only 48 seconds had gone and Hull had not touched the ball when Lukaku moved onto Leon Osman’s penetrating pass, held off McShane and steered a shot past McGregor.

Martinez said: “Romelu has been a success here. I’ve seen him grow as a footballer and a man and he created unique memories with Everton. His parent club will be delighted with his progress and we have also benefited. Whatever happens, we have been part of his development.”

His goal was job done as far as Everton were concerned as they sat back on their two-goal cushion and created only one more opening when Leighton Baines fired yards wide from the edge of the area in the 66th minute.

Despite the excellence of Stephen Quinn, Hull always appeared destined for their fourth defeat in the five games since they confirmed their appearance in Saturday’s Wembley showpiece. Yet, as the game was drifting towards its end, they went close to goals that would have been extra-special for the two men involved.

Curtis Davies, the defender with no rivals as their player of the year, almost ended the Premier League season with a goal as he headed wide from an 85th minute corner.

Then substitute Robert Koren, a popular figure with their fans, was almost on target two minutes from the end of his final appearance for Hull at the KC Stadium.

Koren waits to find out if he will be involved at Wembley, but those who do play will have to improve on this display if they are to have any joy against Arsenal.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “It looks like we’ve been enjoying FA Cup too long in my opinion. It’s been difficult since we won the semi-final to focus on the league.

“The final will look after itself because it’s a one-off, but I’m disappointed that we have limped home.”

HULL CITY 4-4-2: McGregor 6; McShane 5 (Rosenior 63,5), Bruce 5, Davies 6, Figueroa 5; Elmohamady 6, Huddlestone 6, Livermore 5, Quinn 8; Jelavic 5 (Fryatt 54,6), Aluko 5 (Koren 73,6).

EVERTON 4-4-2: Howard 6; Coleman 6, Jagielka 6, Distin 6, Baines 7; McGeady 5 (Deulofeu 69,5), Naismith 7, McCarthy 7, Barry 6, Osman 6 (Pienaar 77,5); Naismith 7, Lukaku 9 (Traore 88,5).

Referee: Howard Webb 6