The Republic of Ireland face the Czech Republic at Prague’s Fortuna Arena on Thursday evening, attempting to move one step closer to the World Cup
Seamus Coleman of Everton and Republic of Ireland during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Seamus Coleman of Everton and Republic of Ireland during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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Seamus Coleman has declared himself fit and ready for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off with the Czech Republic. Heimir Hallgrimsson's side secured their place in the second round of qualifying in dramatic style back in November.
Troy Parrott's stoppage-time winner against Hungary both completed his hat-trick and saw Ireland leapfrog their opponents into second place. But Coleman has only played 10 minutes of first-team football for Everton since the 3-2 victory against Hungary last November.
However, when asked if he has any concerns about his match fitness ahead of Thursday night’s game, the Blues skipper replied: “No. Everyone wants to be playing, it’s the way it works.
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“I didn’t have many minutes before the last game, but to be honest, I train at 100% every single day, sometimes to my own fault.
“Sometimes I have gone too hard and it has cost me at times, but it is the only way I know. I am feeling good and ready for the game.”
Ireland face the Czech Republic at Prague’s Fortuna Arena, attempting to go one better than they did in 2009 against France and in 2017, when Denmark shattered their dreams with a 5-1 demolition job in Dublin.
“It’s difficult to say if it’s fuelling the players, they’re all so young,” Coleman replied when asked about Ireland's recent near-misses.
Seamus Coleman competes with Bruno Fernandes during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland. Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Seamus Coleman competes with Bruno Fernandes during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland. Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
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“Obviously the nation was hurt massively, but in terms of the current group of players, I don’t think they’re dwelling too much on that hurt.
“To be honest, we’re just riding the wave of the confidence we’ve got as a group – which I think this young group deserves – from the last two games and we’re looking forward to Thursday night and then see what comes after that.
“But to see how the nation is feeling now is incredible and we’ve got a duty to try and make them even happier.”