Martin O’Neill wants end to row with Everton over James McCarthy

Martin O’Neill indicated he wants to put the row with Everton over James McCarthy to bed – though yesterday in Vienna he couldn’t resist one final quip at Ronald Koeman’s expense.

”I seriously think it’s over now, as far as we’re concerned,” he said. “Just let’s move on. I put James into a provisional squad because he thought he might get through. It was always the probability he wouldn’t make it. And because it’s a hamstring, I wouldn’t want to risk him.

“But the other time he played, he had recovered from the injury and the point was made he was in Everton’s squad a few days later. As far as I’m concerned it’s over and I’m hoping James is available come March time. I don’t think players get caught in that trap (club versus country) at all, and I don’t think it would be right for them to be caught between club and country.”

When asked if he might consider a clear-the air call to the Everton boss, O’Neill replied with a smile: “He would join my to-call list but I should first put a call into Donald Trump to congratulate him. And then give my commiserations to Hillary Clinton. Then somewhere down the line, Koeman, yes.”

And then he added: “There is also the possibility that someone might call me, no?”