Koeman casts doubt over McCarthy's future at Goodison

It's been a turbulent season for McCarthy, who has lost his place to Idrissa Gueye, endured two injury lay-offs and also got caught in the middle of a club v country row over his willingness to answer Martin O'Neill's call during his fitness troubles.

That has led to suggestions that he is unsettled, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers thought to be keen on bringing the player back to his home city.

The 26-year-old was linked with a summer move away but Everton owner Farhad Moshiri said that they pulled out of a deal for Moussa Sissoko because they wanted to keep the Irish international.

Koeman offered no guarantees when asked about reports of McCarthy's unhappiness ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Manchester United.

"About the future of James, the future of other players, new players. . . that is not the focus I need to show at this moment," said the Dutchman.

"I don't know. I did not speak with James about his situation.

"For a long time he wasn't available for the team. Even last week he had only two training sessions and this week, yes, he did train and is available for the weekend."

One complication for McCarthy if he does want to leave is that Gueye will be absent for most of January, representing Senegal in the African Cup of Nations.

That would open the door for the Glaswegian to get a run in the side in his old spot next to Gareth Barry. He has been out of the picture since damaging his hamstring - a setback that prevented him from contributing to last month's win over Austria. He was initially keen to try and come back for that match.

However, Koeman has also been linked with a move for out-of-favour United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin as he contemplates a January overhaul, with a run of one win in eight games leaving Everton in a spot of bother.

McCarthy's Ireland colleague Glenn Whelan is also back to full fitness following a lay-off at Stoke. He has shaken off a calf complaint that has posed him problems in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Wales manager Chris Coleman is believed to be confident that Gareth Bale can recover from his ankle injury ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Ireland on March 24.

Spanish newspaper AS reported on Thursday that the Real Madrid star will be absent until April as he recovers from successful surgery on an unusual injury.

But Welsh media are confidently predicting that Bale will be back by the middle of February, citing that Dr Ryland Morgans from their medical team enjoys a good relationship with the Madrid staff and is on top of developments.

Wales desperately need a fit Bale after three successive draws left them playing catch-up in Group D, with Ireland top of the group on 10 points.