Everton chairman Bill Kenwright hits back at Roy Keane claim

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has dismissed Roy Keane's claim that the club is putting pressure on Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy not to play for the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland assistant coach Keane recently criticised the Toffees following the country's 1-0 defeat to Scotland in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Both Coleman and McCarthy have been absent for Ireland's last few matches through injury, but Kenwright insists that the idea of Everton manager Roberto Martinez holding them back is "stupid".

"I'm a big fan of Roy Keane but he does say some stupid things. That is just totally, totally, unfair," he told Sky Sports News. "We absolutely love our players going on international duty, and we would never, never get in the way of them."

Everton are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome West Ham United to Goodison Park.