After last week’s uninspiring 0-0 draw against North Macedonia at the Aviva, former Irish captain Seamus Coleman batted away questions around his international future. The loudest cheer of the night at the Aviva came when 37-year-old Coleman departed the game, replaced by debutant James Abankwah, after another impressive display in a green jersey, in which he was winning his 79th cap. However, game time at Everton for the Donegal man, where his contract runs out at the end of June, has been hard to come by, although he has been a key part of the recent Irish revival.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says he is hopeful that the Coleman will stay on. Heimir said: ‘‘We had a good talk. We want Seamus to be here as long as he can. Obviously it is always going to be his decision and it is connected to what he does at his club, but our desire is to keep him. He is really important for this squad. Why should he retire?’’ On Czechia’s penalty shoot-out win over Denmark to qualify for the World Cup final, Heimir said: ‘‘I think it’s probably good that Czechia won as it shows how close we are right now.’’ But the Irish manager admitted that he thought Denmark would have won the final, saying: ‘‘I thought Denmark were the strongest team on paper. But football is not played on paper.’’
