Seamus Coleman could write his name in the Republic of Ireland history books if his country manage to qualify for the World Cup next summer – and his influence in helping the Boys In Green through to the play-offs has been heavily lauded by a compatriot.
Seamus Coleman has been in the Republic of Ireland’s international team since 2010, missing out on Euro 2012, but featuring prominently in their squad that took them to Euro 2016.
It’s been a long ten-year wait for the Emerald Isle as they search for another spot at a major tournament, but a famous 3-2 win over Hungary on Sunday, after trailing 2-1 with just minutes to spare, has given them an incredible opportunity.
And James McClean, Coleman’s former international teammate, has marvelled at the Everton skipper’s mentality, after being told by the veteran Premier League star that he believed Ireland could qualify – something that McClean thought was impossible.
Hungary v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
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James McClean cannot believe how professional Seamus Coleman is
Speaking after a famous win for Helmir Hallgrimsson’s Ireland in Budapest, McClean delved deep into Coleman’s mentality and his vital stature in the Toffees’ ranks, as well as Ireland’s.
It’s no surprise to the Hill Dickinson faithful that Coleman had a never-say-die attitude, and McClean has waxed lyrical over his former international teammate for having the grit to do so when his country needed him.
McClean said, via Off The Ball: “What went on before the Armenia game, when we won at home… I don’t think there was a lot of optimism that we could beat Portugal and go away to Hungary.
“I was speaking to Seamus during the week, and Seamus was saying he believes and I was saying ‘obviously you’re there, you have to believe’.
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Former Ireland international, James McClean, speaks about Seamus Coleman's importance to the Ireland team. ☘️
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“And I was saying to him ‘I can’t see it’. It doesn’t matter if I believe or not, it’s the lads that step onto the pitch, they’re the ones that have to believe. And he did, he said he believed. I’m so happy that I was wrong and he was right.
“It’s been incredible and I was quite critical after the Armenia game… well, that camp really when he was excluded. He wasn’t involved.
“I said it was such a massive mistake from the manager’s point of view, not just because of his playing ability but what he brings around the place, it’s crucial.
“It’s no coincidence since he’s been brought back in. It’s that leadership skill, his personality, his ability, that feeds off on the younger players and it’s no coincidence that they’re thriving off him.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Seamus.”
Coleman’s captain testament, even at the age of 37, would give him one last hurrah in the World Cup at the end of the campaign – a tournament which could bring his professional career to an end in a fitting manner.
Seamus Coleman could still play for Everton on a regular basis
If there is one thing that the international break showed Everton, it’s that Seamus Coleman is still good enough to feature for Everton at right-back.
He played there for Ireland, while Jake O’Brien – who has been playing at right-back for Everton – was reverted to the heart of defence. The Irish duo worked in tandem to secure three points, and it looks to be a winning formula.
David Moyes must now bite the bullet, and start O’Brien ahead of Michael Keane after two massive wins in the space of a week.
Everton have done just fine in the Premier League, but some tweaks could change the trajectory of their campaign and a European campaign might not be too far out of the question.