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Martinez thinks highly of his midfielder.

'James McCarthy is insurance for me' - Toffees midfielder impressing in new role

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has lauded the flexibility of the Ireland international.

Updated at 18.30

ROBERTO MARTINEZ HAS lauded the form of James McCarthy as Everton go in search of a sixth win in seven Premier League matches when they make the trip to relegation-threatened Aston Villa.

McCarthy, whose future at Goodison Park has been the subject of persistent speculation, spoke this week of being “let off the leash” after being afforded more freedom to get forward.

His manager has been impressed with the results, as McCarthy has netted in recent 3-0 home wins against Newcastle United and Manchester United.

“James McCarthy is insurance for me,” Martinez said. “He gives you fantastic balance and in the last six or seven weeks we have allowed him to have a different role.

“He is getting a little bit higher up the pitch. He’s been very effective. It’s something quite new and he is enjoying it.

James McCarthy is such a talented, young player that he could adapt to anything he would like to be. It’s a great strength to have a player like him that can be so flexible.”

Everton’s impressive form has lifted them well clear of the relegation battle that they once looked in danger of being dragged into.

A top-half finish is now on the cards, with Everton sitting 10th, but they will have to continue to make do without Bryan Oviedo, who fractured his fifth metatarsal in training this week. Steven Pienaar (muscle fatigue) is also doubtful.

Originally published

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4 Comments
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    Mute Ger Punch
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    Jan 28th 2015, 8:43 AM

    So he won’t comment on Costa regarding two stamps but has an opinion on every decision that went against him. A dose of wengeritis me thinks.

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    Mute Eoin Hurley
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    Jan 28th 2015, 8:43 AM

    Funny, when etoo kicked Suarez in the box last year he was adamant that wasn’t a penalty. So what’s he yapping about this time?

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    Mute Laura Walsh
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    Jan 28th 2015, 11:34 AM

    Etoo also made a horrendous challenge on a Liverpool player in the first two mins of that game last year also if my memory serves me correctly. Howard Webb bottled that game, as per usual.

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Jan 28th 2015, 1:03 PM

    Oscar almost crippled Lucas in that game too, he got a yellow and he was remorseful, but still, these things show how lucky Chelsea have been. They should have the worst disciplinary record in the league.

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    Mute Johnny Bravo
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    Jan 28th 2015, 9:32 AM

    Costa is probably facing a ban , so Maureen won’t comment on it cause he doesn’t want to implicate him even more then what he is already

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Jan 28th 2015, 12:34 PM

    Johhny, when has Maureen ever talked about it when it is about his players? But, if against his team, he is willing to destroy the reputation of a ref, or like he did with Suarez, call them terrible things to the game…… Suarez was/is an immature player, prone to very stupid things, but he loves football 100%, has the skills to back it up. Costa plays for Chelsea, so it is ok.

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    Mute Hoof Hearted
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    Jan 28th 2015, 10:14 AM

    “Great campaign. We know how much that pundit loves Chelsea and particularly loves me. When you are there and you are paid and you are very well paid – much more than some managers that have to put their ass, every 90 minutes, every weekend on the bench.

    “These guys, they have a very good seat, very good money, no pressure. They are always right. They never lose, they always win, but they have to be fair and they have to be honest. I don’t know his name, because when I see him I switch off the television.”

    Classic Mourinho !

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