Now Roberto Martinez is taking on Eamon Dunphy

A spat between Everton and someone around the Republic of Ireland camp now seems the natural conclusion to every international week.

This one is no different, but at least, this time round,  it’s a pundit, not a member of the Ireland management team, drawing the Roberto Martinez ire.

Earlier this week, on the 2FM radio show Game On, Eamon Dunphy described James McCarthy as “a terrible flop” in an Ireland shirt.

The comments were since put to Everton manager Martinez, who was rather dismissive about the value of Ireland’s point against Poland as he hit back.

"That's quite a harsh comment if you ask me," Martinez said. "I think sometimes those comments are a distraction from the reality of having bad results with their team.”

"It's a shame that, if there is any criticism, that it comes down to individuals. It is disappointing when you look at those comments because you are not going to get anyone in world football more committed and a better character than James McCarthy."

The remarks, reported by Goal.com, follow another row last November when  Martinez hit back at Roy Keane’s comments about the regularity with which McCarthy and Seamus Coleman seem to miss Ireland games.

"You always get the impression from Everton that Seamus and James are both barely able to walk," said Keane. "So when they actually turn up and they are walking through the reception, you think 'Praise the Lord, it's a miracle'."

Martinez dismissed those views as “absolute nonsense”.

"I don't think it is an issue at all. If there is an issue it should be treated with respect and privately to try and get to the bottom of it.

"To come out and make things public could put some of the Irish fans thinking that the players don't want to play or that Everton have stopped some players from playing. That's nonsense. That's ridiculous.”