Coleman backed to recover from leg break

Seamus Coleman holds his leg after Neil Taylor’s challenge MARTIN O’Neill has backed Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman to return to his “brilliant” best after undergoing surgery to repair his double leg fracture.

The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that the 28-year-old Everton full-back had an operation in Dublin yesterday after fracturing both the tibia and fibula of his right leg during Friday night’s World Cup qualifier with Wales.

A statement said: “Captain Seamus Coleman, who went off injured during the game, underwent surgery on Saturday morning after fracturing his right tibia and fibula, under the care of the FAI’s orthopaedic surgeon, Professor John O’Byrne and Mr Gary O’Toole, consultant orthopaedic surgeon.”

Meanwhile, Joe Allen declared Neil Taylor was “in bits” over the horror challenge on Coleman.

Everton full-back Coleman was given oxygen and carried from the field on a stretcher after being caught in the 69thminute of Friday’s fiery World Cup qualifier between the Republic and Wales in Dublin.

Wales manager Chris Coleman said Taylor had gone into the Republic dressing room after the game to see the Ireland captain, although he did not think he had managed to do so.

Taylor spent eight months out of the game after breaking his ankle in 2012 and midfielder Allen said the Aston Villa defender was devastated by the incident.

“He’s in bits to be honest,” Allen said.

“Tayls is one of my best mates and he’s a great guy. He’s really disappointed that one of his tackles has ended up getting someone hurt.”