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26th Apr 2017

Seamus Coleman update on his comeback really says it all about the man

His first interview since that awful double leg break

Patrick McCarry

Coleman’s attitude is remarkable but we shouldn’t be surprised.

The Ireland captain is back at Everton’s Finch Farm and already ticking off boxes on the comeback trail.

It was understandable that Coleman took some time back in Ireland to get his head showered after the horrible incident at the Aviva Stadium, last month. Neil Taylor’s shocking tackle, which has earned him a two-game ban to go with his red card, broke his leg in two places and ended his season.

We know that Coleman received his Ireland teammates while he was convalescing at Beaumont, and that he stayed in touch with Shane Long on the night of the 0-0 draw with Wales. He has since had a supportive visit from Ronald Koeman and The Toffees’ coaching staff, while he was back in Ireland.

In an interview with Everton TV, his first since that injury, Coleman’s take on what befell him is a true mark of the man; the fighter.

“I’ve started with very small exercises in the gym, and doing some walking in the pool and aqua-jogging,” he says.

“It’s just good to be back in and around the club and feeling like a professional footballer again.”

“Until something like this happens you don’t really sit back and think how fortunate you are to play for this club, to play for the national team and to have all that support behind me.”

“I always knew this was a great club, a special club. For this injury to happen, it’s something I never wanted to happen. You realise that this club is amazing, as is the support I had from all the fans.”

“I’m a fighter and there’s a part of me that’s looking forward to this challenge. It’s something to start all over again and fight for. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Such heartening comments.

If his body is as willing as his mind, and he gets lucky, we may yet see him back before this year is out.