Monday 17 November 2014 17:56, UK
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has dismissed Roy Keane’s claims that the club is putting pressure on its Irish players to pull out of international duty, describing the accusation as 'totally, totally unfair'.
Republic of Ireland assistant Keane and manager Martin O'Neill are hoping Everton players Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson and James McCarthy can help them book their place in the final stages of the European Championships in France in 2016.
With McCarthy having missed the last three qualifiers through injury and Coleman absent from the recent draw with Germany, Keane told the Daily Mail that "every time there is an international match it does seem to be Seamus (Coleman) and James (McCarthy) are under lots of pressure. They're turning up or they mightn't turn up, or they're struggling".
But Kenwright told Sky Sports News HQ that claims his club is putting pressure on its Irish players to withdraw from international duty were unfounded.
“I’m a big fan of Roy Keane but he does say some stupid things. That is just totally, totally, unfair.
“We absolutely love our players going on international duty and we would never, never get in the way of them.
“And (Toffees manager) Roberto Martinez would be as shocked as everyone at Everton would be to hear Roy say that.
“It was an odd thing to say from Roy. But look at Roy over the weekend with the stare at the official (in the Ireland game with Scotland at Celtic Park on Friday).
“I like Roy. He comes to Everton a lot and he’s always welcome at Everton but that was way, way, way out of line.”
I’m a big fan of Roy Keane but he does say some stupid things. That is just totally, totally, unfair
Kenwright also spoke of David Moyes’ move to Real Sociedad, saying that he always expected the former Manchester United manager to become one of the world’s great managers.
“And I have no reason to change my mind on that, I find it hard to believe that anyone would not accept the fact that he did a sensational job at Everton for 11 years," he said.
Of Manchester United showing Moyes the door, he added: "Manchester United run the club … who am I to pass comment on anything they do? They took a decision and it was their decision.”
Kenwright also dismissed claims Everton would struggle to keep England player Ross Barkley at Goodison Park, as the 20-year-old midfielder's form has drawn the attention of other clubs.
“I’m a big fan of Ross Barkley, and there is not going to be, I believe, any problem in keeping him at Everton. He is a rabid Evertonian. He loves being at Everton, he loves his football and Everton, and he’s with a fantastic football club.”
Meanwhile, Kenwright has announced two former players - Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin - will join ex-striker Graeme Sharp in representing the club's official charity - Everton In The Community - which supports 1,500 local charities every year.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, former Scotland star Sharp said: "The role is actually varied. We are ambassadors of the football club but it's a role that goes all around the football club, the community, the hospital visits and matchday duties.
"So it's something we're looking forward to. I have been at the club for 25 years - 11 as a player and 14 behind the scenes - and I am delighted to see two new boys come on the scene."
