Everton chairman Bill Kenwright responds to Roy Keane's 'stupid' criticism of player availability as Republic of Ireland seek talks

Kean blasted Everton manager Roberto Martinez and his staff for the management of Irish internationals Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy

Everton owner Bill Kenwright (Getty Images)

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has hit back at Roy Keane for "saying some stupid things" following the Republic of Ireland assistant's comments about Toffees boss Roberto Martinez over the management of his international players.

Keane took Martinez to task over his handling of injuries to key Ireland players Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy, who both missed last month's qualifiers with McCarthy also sitting out this time around after reporting with a hamstring problem.

Keane told the Daily Mail: "You always get the impression from Everton that Seamus and James are both barely able to walk, that type of thing. So when they actually turn up and they are walking through the reception, 'Praise the Lord, it's a miracle'."

Responding to that, Kenwright told Sky Sports News HQ: "I'm a big fan of Roy Keane's but he does say some stupid things.

"That is just totally totally unfair, we absolutely love our players going on international duty and we never ever get in the way of them and Roberto Martinez will be as shocked as everyone at Everton."

Keane and Republic manager Martin O'Neill are hoping Everton trio Coleman, McCarthy and Darron Gibson can help them qualify for Euro 2016.

Midfielder McCarthy has missed the last three qualifiers through injury, though, including Friday's loss to Scotland, while Coleman also missed last month's draw with Germany.

Coleman and McCarthy both played for Everton four days after the clash with the world champions and Keane, concerned that pressure may be being put on players by their clubs, has called for talks between the Republic and Everton coaching staffs.

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane (Getty Images)

Keane added: "'I worry that he (McCarthy) is under lots of pressure, particularly from Everton's point of view.

"Because every time there is an international match it does seem to be Seamus and James under lots of pressure. They're turning up or they mightn't turn up, or they're struggling."

Everton have Europa League commitments this season and Keane knows of the difficulties of staying fresh from his own career, but he hopes Martinez understands the importance of international football.

"There has to be, I think, some sort of sit-down conversation and say, 'listen, I think Martin's been more than good enough here, particularly the friendlies but these are big qualifying matches now'," the former Manchester United midfielder said.

"Roberto Martinez has to look after his club and he is probably thinking they have European games. Roberto, I don't think, has ever played senior level at international level and maybe he doesn't appreciate how big it is for us and how big the games are for us.

"We talk about the manager here and the manager there but there's a player in between all that, and I can speak from experience, he's under lots of pressure too. There is a guarantee that when the player turns up (for internationals) they are getting phone calls left, right and centre from their 15 physios at the club.

"You're also hoping the player can make the decision and say, 'I'll give it a go' or whatever it might be'."

PA