Liverpool to swoop for Coleman?

Despite Giovanni Trapattoni seemingly not convinced of his talents, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is reportedly interested in making a January bid for Seamus Coleman.

The young Donegal man was left out of the Republic of Ireland's match-day squad by Trapattoni for both legs of the Euro 2012 play-off and the Italian hasn't yet given the former Sligo Rovers man a real chance to shine on the international stage.

Indeed, Coleman has a battle on his hands to make the final 23-man squad for the European Championships in the summer, but between now and then he could be set for a move across Stanley Park, with media reports on Merseyside suggesting last night that Anfield chiefs were interested.

It is said that Liverpool's Director of Football Damien Comolli has earmarked a move for Coleman with Dalglish said to be an admirer. The 'Pool boss is on the look out for a right-sided player and Coleman could fit the bill with Everton's financial situation meaning they could be forced to sell to their bitter cross-city rivals.

The 23-year old Coleman has impressed since forcing his way into the Everton side. Last season, he was named the club's Young Player of the Year and was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award. Signed from Sligo Rovers in early 2008, Coleman's rise to stardom has been a rapid one.

After starring for Blackpool when they won promotion to the Premiership, he became a permanent fixture in the Everton line-up and was rewarded last January with a new four-and-a-half year deal at Goodison Park.

With Trapattoni not appearing to pay much heed to club form when selecting his international teams or squads, Coleman is one of a number of players who have been overlooked by the Irish manager at various stages.

Despite this, former Ireland star Kevin Sheedy said this week that there is still time for the versatile Killybegs man to force his way into Trap's plans.

"There is still plenty of time left in the season so he's still got an opportunity to force his way in," Sheedy, who is Everton U-18 manager, told evertonfc.com this week.

"Sometimes unfortunately players get injuries in different positions and he's got to try and make sure he's playing well.

"You never know, if he puts in some good performances he can still put himself in the frame for what is a great tournament.

"Any national team manager wants to be able to select players that are playing regularly at the highest level so obviously if Seamus is performing for Everton week-in week-out it puts his name is the frame.

"He is a wholehearted player and I'm sure he enjoyed the experience of his first season and playing at new grounds but he's done all that now and he's got to be consistent and his attitude is spot on and he certainly gives himself the best opportunity."