Everton round-up: O’Neill on McCarthy, Brands ‘knows everything’ and Gor Mahia friendly

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O’Neill on McCarthy

Martin O’Neill has confirmed that James McCarthy will not be available for the Republic of Ireland fixtures with Northern Ireland and Denmark.

The Everton midfielder is currently approaching his return to first-team action after a horror leg break last season.

O’Neill, who has previously fallen out with Everton over the fitness of their players confirmed to The 42 that Everton want to be ‘careful’ with the midfielder.

Brands knowledge

Marcel Brands ‘knows everything’ when it comes to players aged between 18-22. That is according to his former colleague at PSV Eindhoven Toon Gerbrands.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, PSV’s general manager was effusive in his praise for Everton’s new director of football.

Gor Mahia clash

Everton take on Gor Mahia in a special friendly match tonight. The Kenyan side are looking to get one over on Everton in the SportPesa Trophy.

Everton are expected to use the game to give Yerry Mina his first Everton start. The Colombian made his debut after joining from Barcelona in the summer, entering late on against Brighton at the weekend.

McCarthy is also expected to get some action at Goodison Park as he steps up his recovery from injury.

Other players who will hope to feature include Jonjoe Kenny, Leighton Baines and Kieran Dowell.