Walters, Whelan and McCarthy return to UK

Alan Byrne, whose quick-thinking in 2010 saved Shane Duffy when the defender suffered a lacerated liver in a challenge game, oversaw the swift medical care for Coleman on Friday night.

Coleman was visited in hospital after the 0-0 draw by Martin O’Neill, Roy Keane, and Everton teammate James McCarthy.

Management and staff called again yesterday.

Coleman’s parents, Maire and Henry saw their son after the game, as did his brothers Francis and Stevie.

The Killybegs native wasn’t the only Irish player in the wars.

John O’Shea required stitches in an ankle gash following a nasty challenge by Gareth Bale, prior to Coleman’s injury.

Bale was shown a yellow by referee Nicola Rizzoli but many observers felt he deserved a straight red.

Meanwhile, O’Shea, McCarthy (hamstring), Glenn Whelan (cut) and Jon Walters will miss Tuesday’s friendly against Iceland. With Robbie Brady available after suspension, O’Neill has a squad of 21 to select from for the first visit of Iceland since a World Cup qualifier in 1996 when Roy Keane was picked to play at centre-back by Mick McCarthy.

The Euro 2016 semi-finalists beat Kosovo 2-1 away on Friday night and lie second in Group I.