IT WON’T BE A PIECE OF CAKE
BIRTHDAY BOY Seamus Coleman reckons the blueprint for a victory today was drawn up seven months ago.
The Ireland skipper – who turned 31 yesterday – last night urged his team-mates to follow the script from the 1-0 Dublin win over Georgia.
As tennis balls rained down in protest at the FAI that night in
March, Conor Hourihane’s drilled free-kick (inset) sealed the deal after a solid performance.
Coleman (above) said: “That night, the manager wanted us on the front foot early and I thought we did that.
“We set the tone and coming over here, we’ll try to do something similar but they’re a good team so we have to be prepared for whatever comes at us.
“We’re coming for the three points but we respect them massively.”
Coleman’s only international goal came in a 1-0 win over Georgia three years ago this month.
He continued: “No way are we coming here thinking we can just walk home with the three points.
“From the first time I played them, I’ve seen their improvement as a team and the way they play has been immense, so all credit to Georgia for that.
“We’re coming here respecting them for what they’re good at and it’ll be a tough, tough game. We need to make sure we’re at it and we need to win.”
Rising Brighton star Aaron Connolly could hold the key to unlocking the hosts.
He is poised to make his senior debut at some stage in this game and Everton ace Coleman likes what he sees.
“He’s been lively and sharp and he’s a nice lad as well. It was great for us to see him score those two goals in the Premier League last weekend – it’s good for Irish football.
“If he plays a part let’s hope he can have an impact and it would be great for us all to see that.
“We work hard for the team and the team always comes first, but I’ve always enjoyed playing with him.”