FRANK’S PERFECT CAPTAIN
BY ALEX WOOD SEAMUS COLEMAN is the perfect player for Frank Lampard, reckons Tim Howard.
The Ireland defender, 33, has been on the books with the Toffees since 2009, having joined from Sligo Rovers for just £60,00.
Since making the switch, he has racked up nearly 400 appearances for the club in all competitions.
In recent weeks, Coleman has emerged as the beating heart in Lampard’s side.
Everton secured a crucial 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend as they look to avoid relegation.
And he rolled back the years with mazy attacking runs and solid defensive play.
Howard, who shared a dressing room with Coleman during their time together at Goodison, says he has enjoyed watching the Republic of Ireland star blossom into a leader.
“He’s come of age,” said Howard. “He was only a kid when he came over from Ireland.
“Very sheepish, very meek – and that’s just not what we see now. We see a captain, a strong captain, who is willing to get to grips with the game.
“He leads the charge. He is an Evertonian. Some Evertonians are born there and some are made.
“Seamus has been made into a brilliant captain for Everton and he wears it on his sleeve every single game.
“The supporters could not ask anything more of him.”
Everton’s triumph over Thomas Tuchel’s men was a second win in four Premier League games.
The Merseysiders edged past Manchester United 1-0 earlier in April and also picked up a point against Leicester.
But they could not cause an upset against arch-rivals Liverpool and slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Anfield.
Everton are still in the relegation zone, but have games in hand over Leeds and Burnley.
Howard believes the great escape could be on, given his former side’s remaining fixtures coming against teams with little left to play for this season.
“Everton have a really nice run-in,” he added. “Leicester, Watford, Brentford and Crystal Palace.
“Surely the way they’re playing they’ll think they can pick up results there.”