Seamus Coleman remains “huge” for club and country and should be aiming to get to double figures in Everton games this season as the Republic of Ireland would not have qualified for the World Cup play-offs without his input. That’s the verdict of former Everton and Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane, who made 121 appearances for the Blues, scoring five goals, after being snapped up by David Moyes in 2003.
Although Coleman started both games for Ireland in their international double headers in October and November, he has not been selected in the starting line-up for back-to-back Everton fixtures since the final two matches of the 2023/24 season against Sheffield United and Arsenal.
The 37-year-old now only needs to make two more appearances for his club to push his former team-mate Leon Osman plus all-time leading scorer Dixie Dean out of the Blues’ top 10 with the pair both on 433 games.
But Kilbane reckons the right-back, who has already turned out more times than anyone for Everton in the Premier League should be aiming higher than that.
He told Betway Insider: “I think it’s going to be difficult for Seamus to get in consistently now at Everton.
“I think he’ll be used here and there by David Moyes – whether they’ve injuries or whether he feels he can use him for one-off games. Seamus probably knows that and accepts it himself, given the level those defensive players at Everton are at the moment.
“But that relationship between O’Brien and Coleman helped the Irish team. I genuinely believe that, and it could help Everton as well. “I think Jake O’Brien has leaned on Seamus a lot since signing for Everton – even through the tough spell he had at first under Sean Dyche.
“But I think the long-term player there will be Jake O’Brien at right-back.
“That’s what I see happening. Whether Seamus Coleman’s body can hold up for another season playing consistently, week in, week out, that’s the question.
“So, realistically, if you get 10 games out of Seamus this season, including cup games, it’s great for the other players to have him around day in, day out.
“The desire he has on the training ground, the application he brings - that can never be overlooked. It’s huge for the club and the spirit of the dressing room.”
The 48-year-old added: “As an Irish fan, I hope he hangs in there. I hope he gets a few games before the March playoff matches, because frankly, Ireland needs him.
“Ireland would not have qualified for these playoffs without Seamus Coleman in that last window. I guarantee that.
“What he’s brought to the team – and even going into this window – was something the country needed, something the team needed, and something Hallgrímsson needed. He’s said as much himself.
“So, I hope David Moyes gives him half a dozen games before March. Even two or three will do - just to keep him fresh for the play-offs.