Roberto Martinez dismisses Roy Keane’s claims as ‘nonsense’

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has dismissed Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane's claims that the Premier League club put pressure on their players not to play for their country as "complete nonsense" on Thursday.

Keane suggested that Everton put pressure on their Ireland players to exaggerate injuries so they would miss internationals but Martinez dismissed that when he spoke to reporters before Saturday’s match against West Ham United.

Asked if what Keane said upset him, he said, “No. The only thing I care about is the players.

“We’ve produced four players for the Republic of Ireland, four incredible characters, four players who just love playing for their country and it is disappointing when you see that someone could put that in doubt.

“I have a good relationship with Martin O’Neill, the Ireland manager, we keep in touch frequently and we share information, and at this club we are very proud when our players represent their countries.”

Everton are hoping that James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Darron Gibson will be fit to face West Ham and also hope that Leighton Baines will be fit following a hamstring injury.