COLEMAN RECEIVES SUPPORT

EVERTON are rallying around Seamus Coleman who has been inundated with well wishes since suffering his horror injury. Coleman is facing a minimum of six months out after his double leg break against Wales, but the reality is it could be twice that. He is set to miss the rest of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign and it could easily be 2018 before Toffees fans see him in a blue shirt again. But his Everton teammates are convinced he will bounce back and pick up from where he left off. “I’m absolutely gutted for him and I wish him a speedy recovery,” said Leon Osman, a team-mate of Coleman’s for seven seasons. “Everyone loves Seamus and, knowing him, he’ll come back better, fitter and stronger. That’s the type of character he is. “He’s a real nice, genuine lad – he doesn’t carry any of the arrogance a lot of footballers have. I’ve got all the time in the world for him. “He’s one of the genuine nice guys in football. It’s upsetting it’s happened to any player, never mind such a top guy in Seamus.” Osman added: “Seamus is the type of guy who will be devastated but he’ll work his socks off to get back as quick as he can. “Watching the game, the moment it happened, Evertonians were devastated to lose such an influential character – he’s a future captain of Everton.” Everton boss Ronald Koeman spoke to Coleman, below, and assured the Ireland captain everyone is rooting for him. Koeman said: “The medical staff here at Everton are in contact with the medical staff of the Republic of Ireland and we will continue to liaise closely. “Seamus will face a lengthy recovery period. He’s a really strong character and has a great family around him. “His extended family at Everton will be here for him to help him get through this.”