James McCarthy ‘healed’ and ready for big derby battle

Everton boss Roberto Martinez expects Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy to be available for tomorrow’s Merseyside derby — and fully fit for the rest of the season.

It had been reported Toffees midfielder McCarthy was set to miss out on the Premier League clash with Liverpool at Goodison Park having aggravated in training the hamstring problem that has restricted him to only two appearances since November and none so far in 2015.

But Martinez dismissed such talk yesterday, insisting McCarthy was “fully healed” and on course to play this weekend.The Spaniard added: “I now expect James to be clear and fully fit for the rest of the season.”