Seamus can bounce back like Larsson
O’NEILL BACKS EVERTON STAR AFTER LEG-BREAK HORROR
MARTIN O’NEILL tried to lift Seamus Coleman’s spirits by tipping him to bounce back from his horror double leg break – just like Henrik Larsson did.
O’neill was left shell-shocked by Coleman’s gruesome injury following Wales wing-back Neil Taylor’s reckless red-card tackle in Friday’s qualifier.
Skipper Coleman is set to be sidelined for at least six months after having surgery yesterday and will almost certainly miss the rest of Ireland’s bid to reach next year’s World Cup in Russia.
But as Coleman, 28, comes to terms with the seriousness of his injury and the prospect of a long road back to fitness, O’neill urged the Everton right-back to take inspiration from Celtic legend Larsson.
Coleman’s sickening setback brought back memories of the double leg break the Swedish striker suffered in 1999.
But L arss on managed to not just recover but also to produce the best form of his prolific career under O’neill when he returned. And the Ireland boss said: “Seamus is such a mentally strong character that he wouldn’t have got to where he has got without having that.
“He has ability but he has lots of things to go with it. Henrik Larsson was a brilliant player and came back from that injury and hopefully Seamus will do the same. I would have great confidence he will do.
“His contribution is massive, he played a big part in us getting to the Euros, his performances there and taking on the captaincy on there and here.
“I couldn’t stress how much around the place, his commitment to us, his drive and determination, all of those things, he will be badly missed. I was pretty shaken by it.
“To say I am disappointed for the player would be an understatement. It puts things into perspective.
“Coleman has just been fantastic since I have arrived here.
“It’s not just attitude, which has been strong, it’s his whole playing ability and demeanour, everything about him.
“He’s a great character and captain considering he is one who is so quiet off the field.
“He will be badly missed by us and Everton. He’s having a season of a lifetime.”
There were good luck messages on Twitter, with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney posting: “Hope Seamus Coleman gets better soon. Horrible tackle.” Former Everton midfielder Peter Reid wrote: “Seamus Coleman, keep your head up lad, you’ll be back stronger.”
Former Ireland stars Shay Given and Paul Mcgrath too passed on their best wishes.
Given posted: “Wishing @Everton Seamus Coleman a speedy and full recovery. Stay positive pal, and you will be back to your best again.”
Mcgrath wrote: “Thoughts and best wishes are with Seamus Coleman. The result is put into perspective when something like this happens.”
While Coleman’s injury represents a massive blow to his country, it is equally devastating to his club, who said on Twitter: “The support of all Evertonians is with Seamus after he was stretchered off at the Aviva during tonight’s game against @Fawales.”
Ireland boss O’neill and Everton counterpart Ronald Koeman have enjoyed an uneasy relationship in recent months with the Dutchman unhappy with the Northern Irishman’s use of midfielder James Mccarthy.