Seamus Coleman is set to play his 200th Premier League game tonight when in-form Everton travel to Stoke City.
It has been a big week for Coleman with Donegal County Council confirming earlier in the week that they were bestowing the Freedom of Donegal on the Killybegs man.
Now, Coleman is hoping to keep Everton’s push up the table going when they head to Stoke on a landmark night for the Republic of Ireland captain.
“I didn’t think I would have seen that many games,” said Coleman.
“I always believed in myself but it was a big step up coming over.
“I just took it one step at a time and all I wanted to do initially was get on the bench for the first team, then make an appearance and then after that I didn’t set any targets, it just kept rolling.
“It’s a big deal. It’s a target for me to get more goals than I did three seasons ago (7) and if the team keeps doing well there’s a chance if I keep getting in the right positions.”
Everton have kept three clean sheets in their last four outings and Coleman’s recent match-winner against Crystal Palace was his fourth goal of the season.
Coleman has now netted 18 goals from right-back, which is a club record for a Toffees full-back. Amazingly, Everton have never lost in any of the 24 matches in all competitions when Coleman has netted.
He said: “We’re priding ourselves on the clean sheets. I still have to defend and do my job.
“The three centre-backs gives you that little bit more license to go forward. With this formation you’re probably expected to get forward more than you would when you’re a full-back.
“we’re in a good place at the minute. Results always brings confidence and that’s how we’re feeling. We’ve had a good few results and when it’s like that you’re looking forward to going into every game.”
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