TRAINING MATCH A SEAMUS OCCASION

SEAMUS COLEMAN took an active part in Ireland training for the first time since his horrific double leg break a year ago.

And the Republic of Ireland skipper did not hold back in yesterday’s keenly contested 12 v 11 game at the team’s training base in Belek. Coleman is set to lead the side into Friday’s clash with Turkey, which falls one day shy of that sickening injury against Wales.

And having watched Coleman train like a terrier, Ireland boss Martin O’neill said of the Everton star (above): “That’s an absolute delight – it’s great to see him.

“I’ve talked about him incessantly, about his character and his ability and the fact he’s come back to play.

“He’s great, really great and the other players – both senior and younger lads – are delighted that he’s here.”

Midfielder Alan Judge (inset) was another man making a welcome return to the fold yesterday after his own nightmare injury.

The Brentford man also suffered a double-leg break which robbed him of a place in Ireland’s 23-man squad for the Euro finals in France, as O’neill suggested yesterday.

O’neill said: “I’ve wanted him to come back. He was pretty close to having a spot in the Euros with us but for the injury.

“He’s had a really tough time and I thought ‘let’s bring him out here’. I think he’s appreciative of it.”