Coleman on last month's COVID crisis in Ireland camp - It was a disaster for the players and the manager

Seamus Coleman has reaffirmed his commitment to Stephen Kenny’s Ireland, dispelling any discussion of his retirement ahead of this evening’s with England at Wembley. 

Speaking ahead of the game the 32-year-old Everton man said “[retirement is] not something that’s in my mind. I think I'll be one of those players that puts themselves forward at club and at country level until I'm not picked.

“I don't think I'm important enough, I'm not as high profile as a Robbie Keane to have a retirement – I think whenever a manager decides to stop picking you at international level, that'll be entirely up to him, but I don't think it'll be a case of me saying 'I've had enough'.

“Hopefully that won't be the case anyway. I'm enjoying coming away with Ireland, and I love playing for my club, so we'll just see what that brings, but at the minute it's not something that I'm thinking about.”

Forced to sit out of last month’s play-off against Slovakia and subsequent UEFA Nations League fixtures, Coleman admitted that it was “disappointing” having to watch from home. 

Coleman also said that the fallout from the coronavirus testing within the Irish camp was “incredible”.

“I don't like to look for excuses, [but] that last camp was incredible. I was watching it from home, you know, all the pull outs, and lads perfectly fit and healthy, and close contacts, so it was a disaster for the players and obviously the manager as well.

“For everyone involved, it was a very disruptive week... but I felt the lads played ever so well on the night and were unlucky on penalties.

“You can see there's a different style of play, and the lads have been controlling the ball a bit more, but ultimately we want to win the games.”

Coleman will be hoping to make a return to the pitch in a green jersey against England after missing out on October’s international break. 



Asked about the perpetual ‘Doherty v Coleman’ debate, the Donegal native joked with reporters: “Well, we’re not getting on well at the minute… we had a fall out there.”

Ultimately, whether he or Doherty starts the game is a question for Kenny to answer, per Coleman: “Me and Matt get on very well, we support each other, and Matt's a very good full back. Whoever plays, plays, and that's just part and parcel of this game.”

If he does start, there is a chance Coleman will be faced with neutralising the threat of Marcus Rashford. Coleman heaped praise on Manchester United forward, for his work both on the pitch and off. Rashford has recently spearheaded a movement tackling child food poverty. 

“He's only a young lad himself, and to be taking that on his shoulders and to genuinely, sincerely want to be making a difference, it's a massive credit to him, and I think it's something he should be applauded for highly.”

Coleman has also donated to various causes over the course of his career. Being in a position to be able to lend a hand is something he views as a privilege.  

“As a footballer, I think we're in a very privileged position, and you know, it's nice to help people when you can.



“I've got two daughters myself, and some of the cases that I reach out to, is maybe parents needing help with treatment for kids, or whatever the case might be. If you can help in any way you can, it's important, and it's something that I really enjoy doing.”

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