Adnan Januzaj call-up: Kevin Mirallas told to 'stop talking nonsense' after questioning credentials of Manchester United youngster

The Everton forward is not keen on Januzaj being included in the Belgium squad for the World Cup

Adnan Januzaj (GETTY IMAGES)

Everton forward Kevin Mirallas has been told to "stop talking nonsense" after questioning the credibility of Adnan Januzaj's bid to go to the World Cup.

The Manchester United youngster declared last week that after much consideration, he has chosen to represent Belgium. The 19-year-old could have represented numerous other nations, with even England among those he could have played for.

His decision means that despite never having played at international level, the former Anderlecht player has a strong chance of going to the World Cup in Brazil. Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has confirmed the United player will receive a call-up to the preliminary squad, but is not making any promises the forward will go to Brazil.

However, Mirallas is not convinced Januazaj is deserving of a place in the squad.

"I don’t think he should go to Brazil," said the Everton forward. "It would not be fair to leave out another good player for someone who does not know the others and has not played a lot for his club in recent months."

Kevin Mirallas of Belgium (GETTY IMAGES)

He continued: "Adnan does not know the group, and the fact is, he has not had much game time at Manchester United lately. It’s not as if we are short of good players in that area of the team. In fact, there are a lot of good players in his position in the Belgium squad, so it is going to be difficult for him.

"He has yet to prove at United that he can be their No 1 asset in his particular position. I think for him, the European Championships in 2016 would be a more realistic target."

Belgium have a host of talented players, most notably Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, and have consequently been tipped to progress far in Brazil.

Should Januzaj force his way into the squad Mirallas' place will be one of those under threat. That threat may have played a role in his outspoken comments, but Wilmots has told the Evertonian to keep his views to himself in future.

"He (Mirallas) also said that if a striker is needed that Jelle Vossen (of Genk) could be likely. That's not his job. For this, he should be silent.

"The rules are: you have to talk about yourself, but not the others. On the selection I decide, Kevin may have his opinion, but he should not talk about others, or how new players like Januzaj can affect the group atmosphere?

"Stop talking nonsense. We have never had a problem when there is a new player. For Januzaj that will not be a problem. He has an exemplary attitude."