Everton veteran Coleman starred in the Republic of Ireland's 2-0 win over Portugal on Thursday night
Seamus Coleman turned in a superb display against Portugal
Seamus Coleman turned in a superb display against Portugal(Image: Lorraine O'Sullivan/Shutterstock)
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Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has paid tribute to “battery” Seamus Coleman for helping to recharge his side's World Cup mission ahead of their do-or-die clash with Hungary.
The 37-year-old did not make head coach Hallgrimsson’s squad for the opening games of the campaign in September as he battled for a place in the team at Everton.
However, at an age when many of his contemporaries have hung up their boots, the former Ireland captain was still toiling tirelessly for his country deep into stoppage time in Thursday night’s rejuvenating 2-0 Group F win over Portugal, inspiring others and setting the standards which could yet take them to next summer’s finals.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with Hungary in Budapest, Hallgrimsson said of Coleman: “I think in general, in life, and all people – and it applies to football – there are two kinds of people: people that are vacuums and people that are batteries, that will give energy, will give joy, will give enthusiasm.
“And he is a really, really, really big battery for this group in so many ways, so the more the people of Ireland will produce more Seamuses in the future, the better it will be for the football team.
“But that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give to anyone in life – he is the biggest battery I have worked with in a football team.
“Really, he is a man that loves his country and will do anything, not only to shine himself, but to get the best out of everyone around him.”
Whether or not Coleman can play again just three days after his monumental effort against Cristiano Ronaldo and company – he did start in Portugal and then at home to Armenia last month – is one of the key decisions the Icelander must make ahead of a fixture in which only victory will do for his side.
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