LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Roy Keane likens Seamus Coleman to Denis Irwin

Republic of Ireland assistant coach Roy Keane before the game (REUTERS)
Follow us on Google Discover

The Republic of Ireland assistant says the Everton man is a leader.

Everton's Seamus Coleman applauds their fans after the gameEverton’s Seamus Coleman applauds their fans after the game

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane has likened Seamus Coleman to Manchester United legend, Denis Irwin.

Coleman has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Everton, first developing as a winger under David Moyes before going on to become one of the top right backs in the league over the last few years.

He has also proven himself on the international stage with this summer seeing him captain Martin O’Neill’s side at Euro 2016 in France.

Manchester United legend Denis IrwinManchester United legend Denis Irwin

And Keane has offered his praise of the player, likening him to his former United teammate Dennis Irwin.

“Would I compare him to Denis Irwin? I don’t mean in the football sense, but the way Denis played,” he told the Daily Mail.

“Denis led by being a brilliant player and Seamus Coleman is the same type of player. He leads by the way he plays, and that’s by being a brilliant player and a good lad.”

(L-R) Republic of Ireland's Stephen Quinn, Robbie Keane, Seamus Coleman, Shay Given and Shane Long react after the game(L-R) Republic of Ireland’s Stephen Quinn, Robbie Keane, Seamus Coleman, Shay Given and Shane Long react after the game

While Keane is clearly a big fan of Coleman’s, he will likely be hoping that the player can bounce back from a few disappointing years this season.

The player fell away under Roberto Martinez, with him and several others struggling for their best form under the Spaniard.

It is a new start under Ronald Koeman this year though and Keane, alongside many Evertonians, will be keen to see Coleman return to the kind of form that had Manchester United vying for his signature not long ago.

Seamus Coleman celebrates after scoring the second goal for EvertonSeamus Coleman celebrates after scoring the second goal for Everton