World Cup inspired me to become a footballer, says Coleman

SEAMUS COLEMAN says watching the World Cup on television as a child in Donegal was what inspired him to become a footballer.

The right-back is currently back home in Ireland resting after helping Blackpool gain promotion to the Premier League during his three-month loan spell at Bloomfield Road.

“Watching the World Cup as a youngster was when I knew I wanted to be a footballer,’’ Coleman said. “I have been lucky enough to get a chance to come to Everton and maybe one day I will also play for Ireland.

“I remember watching the 2002 World Cup and supporting Ireland but they got knocked out on penalties by Spain. I remember watching it with all my friends and family in town and we were all disappointed.’’

The 21-year-old has already appeared for the Republic of Ireland at U21 level having made his debut against Sweden in 2008.

While the defender remains focused on his Everton career, he admits he still hopes to one day play for his country at the most famous tournament in the world.

“Everyone would love to play in the World Cup but first I would have to break into the Ireland team,’’ he said. “Then we would need to qualify for the competition! It would be a dream come true if it happened.’’

Ireland missed out on a trip to South Africa after losing to France in the now infamous play-off that resulted in Thierry Henry’s handball setting up William Gallas’s winning goal. At the time desperate protests from Irish players were waved away by the referee and the FAI lodged an official appeal to FIFA, which was later denied.

But Coleman expects there to be a sense of ‘what if’ back home when France face Uruguay on the opening day of the tournament.

He said: “I think everything has calmed down since the game with France but when the games start up again, I am sure the Irish fans will think about how we could have been there. It will be annoying but it happens.’’

As he prepares for the Blues’ summer trip to Australia, the young defender says watching the World Cup with his family is the perfect way to rest after a gruelling season.

But he admits it will be strange knowing many of the faces in front of the camera.

“It will be good to be at home watching the games and keeping an eye on the lads,’’ Coleman laughed. “It is crazy to think I know some of the lads who are playing in the World Cup this summer!’’