Walters backs Coleman to lead team for long road ahead

JONATHAN WALTERS is probably the most popular member of the Ireland squad, both among players and supporters. So when the captaincy came up in light of Robbie Keane’s international retirement, it was a little surprising that the Stoke City striker wasn’t mentioned as a possible candidate.

At 32 years of age, perhaps the ship has sailed for Walters in terms of being captain of the national side and anyway, he felt that Seamus Coleman was always the best person for the job.

‘No, I never thought I would be made captain. Seamus is a great captain. He is a good guy, good player and he will be doing that job for us for many, many years,’ Walters (left) insisted.

However, there was a sense that Walters was going to take the number 10 shirt when Keane retired. He lost a coin toss to Robbie Brady for that honour, but the affable striker was glad he did.

‘Robbie wanted the No 10 but I went to the boss and asked if there was any chance of a shirt numbered 111 after all this time in the team,’ said Walters.

‘When I heard Robbie wanted it, I was okay with it but the boss insisted that we toss for it. Robbie won and I am glad. I am happy to stick with 19, it is what I wore at Ipswich, it is what I wear at Stoke.’

Walters has struggled to nail down a regular spot in the Stoke team since the start of the season and that may be behind his poor display on Thursday evening but if Ireland are to negotiate a tricky trip to the Balkans tonight, they will need Walters firing on all cylinders.

‘Every game brings its own challenges. Moldova got beaten 3-0 by Serbia,’ Walters continued. ‘As players, we haven’t really looked at them until Thursday was over. I am sure the management and staff have their homework done.

‘These two games were just about getting six points and making sure there are no upsets. It is a tricky game but one we are completely focused on.’