Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has opened the door for Seamus Coleman to be involved in the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
That is despite the Everton right-back facing yet another injury setback.
The 36-year-old was forced to pull out of Ireland’s double header of matches against Senegal and Luxembourg next month.
Coleman was forced off early in Everton’s final game of the season, having recently recovered from being on the treatment table.
He made just five Premier League appearances across the campaign, having struggled with a persisting calf issue.
Speaking to the press ahead of their game against Senegal next Friday, Hallgrimsson said: “Seamus Coleman got injured in the last game at Goodison and will be out for about three weeks, so not eligible for us.
“He is a leader in this squad, and you cannot have his experience in many players.
“His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well.
“He’s been playing at the highest level for such a long time, so it’s a shame for me and, of course the national team, not to have him around.
“Hopefully there will come another time for him, hopefully it will be just the off-season and he’ll come fit and flying.”
When asked quizzed on whether Coleman is in his plans to play in the World Cup qualifiers, he added: “That’s for him to decide, not me.”
Seamus Coleman future on the pitch remains unclear
Everton manager David Moyes confirmed Coleman will stay with the club in some capacity.
The former Sligo Rovers defender, who Everton signed for £60,000, has a contract expiring at the end of June.
It’s speculated that Coleman will sign a deal that could see him combine roles between being a player and coach.
Hallgrimsson hopes he will continue his career as a player. He said: “I know he’s going to be at Everton in whatever role, maybe a little bit more leadership role.
“It’s for him to answer if he’s going to continue playing or not. It’s his decision, but I’m hoping – and I know the Evertonians are hoping – he will continue playing.”
Sammie Szmodics withdraws from Ireland squad
The Ipswich Town forward is another player who has been forced to drop out of the Ireland squad.
Szmodics has struggled for fitness, having only just returned to action from ankle surgery. That kept him out of action for three months.
It was decided that he wouldn’t be risked for the friendlies to allow him sufficient recovery time.
Brighton midfielder Andy Moran, who spent the season on loan with Stoke City, has been called up as a replacement.