He likely has an inkling, but still why would he say anything else? What would he say?
"James is switching to Scotland." Media explosion. "He's staying with Ireland." Media explosion. Either way the same, and he comes across as a manager who is getting involved where he doesn't belong.
He says it's James' decision. He says it's club football for now. It's utter wishful thinking to believe he should come out (possibly wearing a leprechaun hat) and say: "James McCarthy is 100% for Ireland."
Martinez isn't the one fanning the flames here - it's media stirring and resultant hysteria.
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