KILLYBEGS native Seamus Coleman is to be given a starting role in the World Cup qualifier against Germany on Friday evening.
The 24-year-old has played an important role in Everton’s superb Premier League start this season, in contrast to fellow full-back Stephen Kelly, who has not played a minute of top-flight football in the current campaign.
Giovanni Trapattoni named the side today – choosing Coleman instead of Kelly.
He said he would decide the formation later but it is looking like he will play a 4-3-3 formation with Stoke’s Jon Walters as the lone striker with Aiden McGeady and Simon Cox on the wings.
John O’Shea will captain the side from the centre of defence alonside Darren O’Dea with Coleman and Stephen Ward as full backs.
Wigan’s James McCarthy and Birmingham’s Keith Fahey play alongside Keith Andrews who returns to complete the side in midfield.
Ireland (v Germany): Westwood, Coleman, O’Shea (captain), O’Dea, Ward, McCarthy, Andrews, Fahey, McGeady, Walters, Cox
Yesterday assistant Marco Tardelli said: “We know that Kelly is more defensive, and Coleman likes to attack. We know Coleman has done well in the Premier League. Now he is starting to play at the back. We know he is a good player.”
We’ve known that here for a while!
Earlier this week Coleman spoke of his heartache on not making Euro 2012 in Poland.
He said he ended up watching the matches in Fawlty’s Bar with his mates.
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