Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson expresses strong hope that veteran defender Seamus Coleman prolongs his international tenure. The 37-year-old Everton full-back earned a standing ovation upon his substitution at the 61st minute during Tuesday’s 0-0 friendly draw against North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium, marking what might be his last outing for the national team.
Call to Continue Playing
Hallgrimsson emphasizes Coleman’s value, stating in his post-match press conference: “We had a good talk and we want him to go as long as he can – as a player. It would be great for him to hopefully play in Euro 2028 in Ireland.”
He adds: “Our desire is to keep him for a long, long time. He is good at helping the young players to grow. He is a good player. Why should he retire? It will be connected to what he does at his club.”
Coleman, who debuted for Ireland over 15 years ago, features as a pivotal player and influential leader both on and off the pitch. This season, he has made five appearances for Everton, including three starts—one fewer than his outings for Ireland.
Following Ireland’s penalty shoot-out loss to the Czech Republic in the World Cup semi-final play-off, Coleman vows to avoid hasty decisions and will take time to ponder his future.
Match Highlights and Challenges
The Dublin encounter proved frustrating for Coleman and his teammates, who sought a positive end to their international window after the Prague heartbreak. Troy Parrott saw two goals disallowed for offside before halftime and struck the post later, while substitute Johnny Kenny missed a late chance, firing tamely at goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
Hallgrimsson reflects: “It was a strange one wasn’t it? It started very slowly, it felt like they were trying to kill the tempo from the first minute to the last. It was always going to be about character after we played so many games when everything was on the line.”
He notes the recovery from the recent defeat: “The four days after the [Czech Republic] game have been tough. We gave them a day off on the first day, just to spend time with their family. That was key. The first session we had was awful. It was a slow tempo, we were scratching our heads, ‘How can we push them, how can we motivate them?’ In the end they did it themselves, we felt the energy coming back, as good pros will do.”
Upcoming Schedule
Players whose club seasons have concluded will reconvene in May for a training camp in Murcia, featuring a match against Granada. Additional friendlies against Qatar and Canada are planned before the campaign ends.
