Roy Keane has made it pretty clear that he anticipates staying where he is and suggested strongly that James McCarthy should do the same after speculation in Britain this morning linked the Everton midfielder with a summer move to Manchester United.

Asked about reports linking him to the vacant managerial position Celtic after Neil Lennon’s decision to depart the Glasgow club. Keane replied: “It’s a brilliant club, an absolutely fantastic football club; one of the best in the world but I’ve got a job and,” he added with a broadening grin, “I’m not taking a pay cut for anybody.”

Keane acknowledged that the new Ireland management team has yet to get its best 11 players out on the pitch at the same time but, he said, “that’s the nature of the beast” with players constantly pulling out of games for fitness and other reasons.

Pressed on whether McCarthy is a particular loss this time, he said that the midfielder is “an important player for us,” but insisted he was merely one of many.

As to the idea that he might be about to be one of United’s new recruits, the Corkman was clearly sceptical.

“He’s only been at Everton two minutes. He’s obviously making good progress but I’m pretty sure that with Manchester United there’ll be talks of lots of players going there at the moment but James is at a good club in Everton; he’s had a decent couple of seasons and if he keeps progressing then who knows but I’m sure he’s happy where he is.”

Anthony Pilkington sat out most of training in Malahide this morning but is expected to be available for Sunday’s game against Turkey. David Meyler looks far less likely to be involved at this stage after missing out again due to a calf strain but Keane hasn’t completely ruled him out.

“Well, he didn’t train yesterday or today so unless he does something tomorrow you’d very much doubt it. We wouldn’t risking him of course but he’s a tough enough kid and if he can do something tomorrow then you never know.”