Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has praised Everton’s Seamus Coleman ahead of facing him, with Portugal playing the Republic of Ireland.
[A Bola have comments](https://www.abola.pt/) from the Portugal manager today. He was assessing the upcoming game against Coleman’s Republic of Ireland this week, in which they can secure qualification for the World Cup.
Portugal sit top of Group F at this moment in time on 10 points. The Republic of Ireland are third, with four points, one behind Hungary on five points in second.
While it’s an important game for both sides, it is also a chance for something of a reunion. Martinez and Coleman are old friends after working together at Everton.
The full-back made 117 appearances for the Spanish coach during his time in charge at Goodison Park from 2013 to 2016. He was a key player during his reign, making no fewer than 35 appearances in all competitions in each of Martinez’s three seasons in charge.
Coleman is now 37 years old and not a regular for Everton but remains as influential as he has always been. And Martinez believes that is the case with the Republic of Ireland as well.
“He uses his experience well,” he said.
“The way he communicates with other players, with his teammates. He is still a very important player for the team, mainly for what he can contribute in the locker room, certainly.”