Seamus Coleman Takes on New Role with Ireland National Team
Seamus Coleman is currently without a club after parting ways with Everton this summer.
Despite his inactivity since June, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted it was hard to resist including Coleman in the squad for the upcoming Nations League clashes against Austria and Kosovo.
Instead, Coleman will assume what Hallgrimsson describes as a 'hybrid role.' He'll be part of the training sessions with the squad but will also take on a leadership position, working closely with the coaching staff.
At 38 years old, Coleman has hinted at retirement in recent weeks, but Hallgrimsson revealed that the veteran defender still harbors ambitions of returning to the pitch.
"Coleman is going to be in a hybrid role this camp and he is going to do the sessions with the players but in a leadership role, in a supportive role with us as coaches," Hallgrimsson stated after unveiling the 24-man squad.
The aim is to motivate Coleman to get back to playing, as he has expressed a desire to do so. Hallgrimsson acknowledged the temptation to include him in the playing squad, noting Coleman's past performances for the national team even after limited playing time at club level.
Nathan Collins rejoins the squad after recovering from a calf injury that kept him out of the opening four League B3 matches.
In goal, Everton's Mark Travers steps in for the injured Gavin Bazanu, who had withdrawn from the last squad, citing concerns about participating against Israel.
Evan Ferguson (ankle), Josh Cullen (knee), and Jaden Umah (thigh) are still sidelined and won't feature in the upcoming matches.
However, Harvey Vale makes his return to the squad after missing previous fixtures, while Owen Elding from Hibernian will move down to the under-21 side this time around.
The Republic of Ireland will head to Linz to take on Austria before wrapping up their Nations League campaign with a home match against Kosovo at Aviva Stadium.
Currently sitting third in League B3, Hallgrimsson's side has secured just one victory from their last four outings.
