The Republic of Ireland management team are understood to be furious over Ronald Koeman's latest comments on James McCarthy.

The Everton boss this week accused Martin O'Neill of failing to provide McCarthy with enough "protection" and ignoring advice of Goodison Park medical staff and experts in the Irish camp.

Sky Sports News HQ understands that McCarthy and the Irish medical staff were happy that the midfielder was fit to play on Friday. One source told SSNHQ today that Koeman's accusations were "absolute nonsense".

"To suggest that we ignored the advice of the our medical team is total rubbish," the source said. "Mr Koeman needs to check his facts before he says such things."

We understand O'Neill tried to contact Koeman on several occasions before Christmas after their latest fall-out. However, Koeman failed to return his calls.