Coleman relishing international break amid Everton unrest

Seán O’Connor reports from the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has had a difficult season at club level.

His Everton side sit in 17th place, 3 points clear of the relegation zone. Coleman has started all but five of their Premier League games so far and came into this international camp off the back of a 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Crystal Palace.

The international break is an opportunity for the 33-year-old to reset and escape the pressure that Frank Lampard’s side are under at the moment. Coleman also spoke to the media on Friday and is hoping to add to his 61 caps on Saturday evening.

“It’s been a good week for me personally,” said Coleman.

As a team, we’d time to bond and time to spend together which was good. We always love coming away. It’s not like a chore coming away. We all get on very well with each other and the staff. It’s a good atmosphere and has not felt like a long week.”

The defender also said that while he is on international duty this week, his Everton side need to give everything if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League come May.

“Listen I’m on Irish duty, but I’ve got a massive thing for that football club as well. We had a massive result against Newcastle and then unfortunately at Crystal Palace it wasn’t to be.”

“I know the fans were frustrated and I know it’s a difficult time for everyone at the football club. But belief, hard work, fire in your belly and full determination to get out of that situation that we’re in, that’s all I’m concerned with. We’ve got 11 games left, we’ve just got to give it everything.”

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