There are two kinds of people: vacuums and batteries. Seamus Coleman brings the energy to this Republic of Ireland team
DONEGAL’S Seamus Coleman radiates pride when he pulls on the green jersey and the 37-year-old from Killybegs is still the “battery” of this Republic of Ireland team, says manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
It’s no coincidence that Ireland’s form and results have improved dramatically since Coleman returned to the team. After taking just one point from their first two games – a draw with Hungary and a loss to Armenia – left Ireland playing catch-up in this group, the Everton full-back returned for the trip to Lisbon last month.
Ireland played their hearts out that night but lost to a last minute goal and since then they’ve beaten Armenia and, most impressively, Portugal in Dublin on Thursday night to grab a qualification lifeline going into Sunday’s clash with Hungary in Budapest.
“There’s two kinds of people,” said Hallgrimsson.
“People that are vacuums and people that are batteries, that will give energy, will give joy, will give enthusiasm and Seamus is a really, really, really big battery for this group in so many ways.
“The more the people of Ireland produce players like Seamus in the future will be better for the football team, that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give to anyone in life.
“He is the biggest battery I have worked with in a football team. Really a man that loves his country and will do anything, not only to shine himself, but to get the best out of everyone around him.”
Caoimhin Kelleher’s brilliant save was a moment to cherish in Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) (Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Coleman has been outstanding but Ireland’s most consistent performer in this group has been goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The Brentford number one has proved his quality again and again with a series of vital saves as Ireland clung on to their World Cup dream.
“Seamus is a selfless player,” said the Cork native.
“He wants everyone else to do well. He gives 110 per cent and he drives the standards in the team.
“He’s an inspiration obviously and a lot of us in the squad look to him. He’s a lad who’s been there and done it. He’s played in so many important games already for his country so we’ll definitely lean on his experience tomorrow.”
Kelleher could be the difference for Ireland in Sunday’s de facto cup final against Hungary at Budapest’s Puskas Arena. Ireland ripped up the script when they beat Portugal 2-0 on Thursday night and they will take the field needing a win to pip the home side to second place in the group (they could finish top but would need Armenia for beat Portugal in Lisbon for that to happen) and go on to a play-off for next year’s World Cup finals.
“It’s been quite a while for them as well since they’ve last qualified for a World Cup and obviously, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on them,” said Kelleher.
“Their home fans are going to come to this game expecting them to go through. But we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as well.
“We really rate ourselves as a team and put pressure on ourselves to qualify for a major tournament. I think there’s going to be pressure on both teams because it’s a big game.”
