Everton manager Roberto Martinez has come to the defence of James McCarthy after recent criticism.

The midfielder was singled out for criticism following his performance for Ireland against Poland last Sunday, with some pundits questioning the player's commitment to the Irish setup.

Martinez says he was surprised to see those comments about a player that he rates very highly.

"He's going to keep developing into a player that is very much important. What's going to happen at international level is out of my hands and I can't really comment. But it is disappointing when you look at those comments because you're not going to get in world football someone more committed or a better character than James McCarthy to have in any dressing room," he said.