Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is keen to retain experienced Seamus Coleman ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 36-year-old Everton defender has been a mainstay for many Ireland coaches during an international career that has spanned more than 14 years and Hallgrimsson hopes one of his most significant players will remain in the squad when Hungary visit Dublin in September for their first qualifier.
A thigh injury has forced Coleman to withdraw from next week's friendly against Senegal and the subsequent trip to Luxembourg, but the Icelander is aiming to maintain his contribution both on and off the pitch in the long term.
Hallgrimsson said: “He is a leader in this team and you don't see that in many players. His experience and leadership are one thing, but his skill as a player is something else entirely.”
“He's played at the highest level for so long, so it's a shame for me – and certainly for the national team – that he's not in the team. But I hope there's another moment for him, and I hope it's just the off-season and he'll be back in good shape.”
“I know he will play any role at Everton, maybe a bit more managerial, but it's his decision whether he continues to play or not.”
“It's his choice but I hope – and I know the Everton players hope too – that he continues his career.”
When asked if there was a possibility that Coleman would decide to retire from international football, Hallgrimsson replied: “It's his choice, not mine.”
The Ireland manager, who has not called up many of his Sky Bet Championship players for this campaign due to the length of time since the regular season ended, will also be without Ipswich's Sammy Smodić for the two-legged clash after he suffered a reaction to ankle surgery.
Hallgrimsson commented: “We knew about his injury, we hoped he would be fit. He played, I think, 10-15 minutes in the last game for Ipswich, but then his ankle swelled up, so we decided
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
