Everton duo Jake O’Brien and Seamus Coleman were both in action for the Republic of Ireland on Thursday evening.
The Boys in Green blew their 2-0 lead against the Czech Republic, with heartbreak on penalties ending their dreams of a spot in this summer’s World Cup.
Both O’Brien and Coleman started the game in Prague, with O’Brien lined up in the back three, while the 37-year-old was at right-wing-back.
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Seamus Coleman's Everton stats as he enters the final months of his contract.
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It was not an evening Ireland will want to remember as their national media reacted to the performances of the Everton pair.
Czechia v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Play-off Semi-Final
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Coleman played 95 minutes despite having barely featured at all this season for Everton.
“Made it to the 95th minute and didn’t disappoint, as he produced yet another authoritative display and was constantly talking to Chiedozie Ogbene ahead of him,” the Irish Mirror said.
A lot of Everton fans want Coleman to take on a coaching role when his contract expires at the end of the season.
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David Moyes quote on Seamus Coleman's Everton future.
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However, Balls.IE was full of praise for Coleman’s performance.
“Coleman was a real leader at the back for Ireland, including a key intervention top stop a quality chance for Schick just before the interval,” they wrote.
“He battled throughout the game, hardly looking like a player who has barely kicked a ball in five months. Did amazingly well to last until the fifth minute of extra-time.”
Playing in his natural position at centre-back, O’Brien received some big praise despite the defeat.
“His long throws caused chaos inside the Czech penalty area, while he was a towering presence at the other end of the pitch,” said the Irish Mirror.
“O’Brien was solid at the back in the first half, with his long throw-in also leading to the Irish penalty,” said Balls.IE.
“His aerial ability was hugely important, offering little encouragement to a physically imposing home side in the air.”
Everton target Troy Parrott shines again
Everton News reported last year that Everton scouts watched Troy Parrott in action for his nation, when his heroics helped beat Portugal and Hungary.
The 24-year-old striker was on the scoresheet yet again on Thursday evening and netted in the penalty shootout.
The Czech Republic manager hailed Parrott as being capable of everything and he made the home side pay from the penalty spot in the first half.
Ahead of the summer, there is going to be a lot of interest in Parrott, who continues to add to his already impressive tally for the season.
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