Captain Coleman feels the country is behind the Boys in Green

Macdara Ferris reports from FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman was at the Donegal and Tyrone Ulster GAA Championship game on Saturday and he feels there were plenty of positive vibes being sent his way for his Ireland team from the supporters at Breffni Park and beyond. 

"People from Donegal and Tyrone were very proud of the team and were telling me to thank the team for the result [in Denmark]," said Coleman when speaking to the media on the eve of Monday’s EURO 2020 qualifier against Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium.

"They were very happy to see that goal go in [to equalise against Denmark]. It is great that we have the country behind us. When we are out there, we do think of the fans as well."

Shane Duffy was the hero with the late goal in Copenhagen and his captain has been delighted with his fellow Ulsterman’s progression with the Boys in Green.

"He has been getting better. He is willing to learn all the time. He never thinks for one minute that he has made it. That’s what I like about him. He keeps working hard. 

His confidence on the pitch was all there to see against Denmark. He took the ball out of the sky and did well until he gave the ball away! He is playing with confidence. When you get deliveries in the box, in both boxes, like that he is great."

Last time out in the Aviva, Ireland served up a decent performance against Georgia when, amidst the tennis ball FAI fan protest, Ireland got another 1-0 win. 

The full backing from the supporters for the team on the pitch in Dublin and in Denmark last Friday night is something that Coleman and his team mates appreciate.

"As soon as them tennis balls were taken off the pitch, the atmosphere went through the roof again. There are no questions marks about the support that we have, there never is. 

"After the Denmark game even when we were doing interviews you could hear the fans singing. As far as I’m concerned we have the best support in the world and they will show that at the Aviva. When they do it is a hard place for any team to come."

Memories are made by late goals like Shane Duffy’s in Denmark. His goal could turn out to be the crucial one to get the Boys in Green over the line in EURO 2020 qualification but it is hard fought wins like the forgettable one in Gibraltar that are equally as important.

"It was one that we wanted to forget about as quickly as possible,” said Coleman when asked to reflect on the win earlier in the campaign against Gibraltar.

"We got the three points and what we wanted. Everyone expected us to win by more but if you ask any of the players that game was crazy with the wind and it was their first game at home so that made it more difficult. They were right up for it. 

"It was a tough night but there was a great save by Daz (Darren Randolph) to keep us in it. There are no easy games and we are all prepared."

The lads have been brilliant. It has all been great but it will count for nothing if we don’t win our home game - Mick McCarthy https://t.co/Kw6r8QyyyH pic.twitter.com/LSBCeNXwRb

— Extratime.ie (@ExtratimeNews) June 9, 2019