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Everton's James McCarthy has linked with a move away from the club recently. EMPICS Sport

Roberto Martinez: 'James McCarthy is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League'

The Everton boss has heaped praise on the Republic of Ireland international.

EVERTON MANAGER ROBERTO Martinez has dismissed speculation linking James McCarthy with a transfer away from Goodison Park, calling the 23-year-old ‘one of the best midfielders in the league.’

McCarthy moved to Everton in 2013 for a reported fee of £13 million from Wigan Athletic, and Martinez believes he will honour his contract at Everton, despite interest from other clubs.

“He’s got a very, very, very long contract so I don’t know where the talk is coming from,” Martinez admitted. ”

As you know, James McCarthy arrived at the club 18 months ago so his contract is a long, long term deal, and the ambition of everyone is to see him at Everton for many years.”

The 24-time Republic of Ireland international has been a regular in Martinez’s starting XI since moving to Everton, with Martinez singling him out as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents.

“For me, James McCarthy is one of the best midfielders in the league,” said the 41-year-old.

“I don’t get surprised if other teams send good footballing compliments but his future is clearly at Everton and it is an exciting one.”

Ahead of their Capital One Cup game away to Swansea City, Martinez has confirmed that Seamus Coleman will play no part, whilst Darron Gibson is in line to make his first start in 11 months after returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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