SEAMUS COLEMAN
What does qualifying mean to you? I was close to tears when Jonny Walters scored the second goal against the Bosnians. You realise what it means to the fans, and that you’re going to represent your country at a major tournament. It was something that I’d always wanted as a kid, and everything fell into place when Jonny scored that goal.
You just missed out on the final squad for Euro 2012. Does that make it even more special to be involved this time? Definitely. I never really thought I’d make that squad – my form wasn’t great – but you still have that disappointment of getting the phone call to say you’re not going. The tournament was a bit difficult to watch, as I’d been in and around the squad for a year beforehand but I didn’t play in qualifying. This time it’s more special because I’ve played a part in helping the team get there. I’ve got a lot of games under my belt now, for Ireland and for Everton in the Premier League, so that can only help me on the big occasion. I won’t be in awe of it.
When did you first dream of representing the Republic of Ireland at a major tournament? During the 2002 World Cup, when Robbie Keane scored against Germany. If you ask anyone of my age which goal they remember, it will always be that one. Now I could be the one on that pitch, with everyone back in Ireland watching. That’s the mad bit: you wish you could split yourself in two for the summer, so you could be back home watching it all, to get that feeling for what it’s like, and also in France. From watching Robbie’s goal back home in Killybegs to being his team-mate has been a bit surreal. When he speaks to the players and gives us a few words to spur us on, it gives you goosebumps, because he’s that important.
What do you think of Group E? Is there anyone you’re looking forward to facing? I’m not one of those players who looks forward to playing against someone. There’s no point in that. If you don’t win the game, it’s not like you can say: “Oh well, at least I played against him or him.” I just want to win. But obviously I know Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini in the Belgium team. They’re great lads – and I know what Lukaku can do. He’s going to be very dangerous, so please God we can keep him quiet, because he’s a top goalscorer. It’s a hard group but you don’t want to just enjoy the occasion – you want to get out of the group. Anything other than that and I’ll be really disappointed.