Coleman’s time to shine
September stutters in Tbilisi over the past two seasons affected Spain and France, cautioning the Everton defender against any complacency in the opening Euro 2016 qualifier against the Georgians.
It took a late Roberto Soldado winner to pinch victory for the then world champions in 2012, while no such fortune visited France during last year’s stalemate.
It’s widely acknowledged that the Georgians have since improved, both in terms of experience and quality and Coleman concedes Ireland have a mission on their hands to escape with three points.
He said: “It’s important to start well but it could be cagey for the first 15 or 20 minutes.
“France and Spain went out there and found it difficult, so by no means will it be an easy game. We have to be well set up tactically.
“They’ve got a couple of flair players but as a unit they’re very strong defensively and they all work hard for each other.
“I’m sure it’s going to be quite hostile out there as well. We’re all capable of playing in big games and we want to start the campaign with three points.”
Despite his recent hamstring troubles and a decent makeshift display in the right-back spot by David Meyler against Oman on Wednesday, Coleman will earn cap number 24 tomorrow.
He explained: “I missed all of preseason for Everton and just got back for the Leicester game.
“I got the last 10 minutes of that and then played the last two games and I feel fine now. I like to think I’m a naturally fit person so a couple of weeks out and I feel back to normal.”
Now in his 26th year, this late bloomer realises time is the enemy to augment his success with Everton on the international stage.
With Richard Dunne having followed Damien Duff into retirement, Coleman insists the onus tests on the bunch of 20-somethings to deliver qualification into the Euros in France.
“We have to step up now. Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne, Shay Given, Damien Duff, and even John O’Shea, have all been brilliant in the past.
“But now the younger players need to start winning these games. And, for me personally, I want to get to a major tournament and play in one.
“I’d like to think I’m confident in the team now because it took me quite a while to get in. As for being established, I suppose that’s for other people to say because I’ll never change in my opinion that you’re only as good as your last game and you’ve got to keep impressing as you go out there because there’ll always be people looking to get in.”
Although his club manager Roberto Martinez was publicly scornful of Chelsea striker Diego Costa for taunting Coleman after his own goal against the Blues last week, the Donegal man declined to scathe the Brazil-born Spanish international.
“I think every game you go into, you’re going to have little arguments or little niggles with your opponent,” said Coleman.
“It’s all part of the game but the important thing is that you do it and remain on the field. Other than that, it’s all part of the game. I was marking Eden Hazard anyway. Costa is top player and I think he’ll do well in the Premier League for Chelsea.”
Coleman enhanced his reputation as a raiding full-back with another goal against Arsenal recently. Breaking his duck for Ireland at this early stage of the campaign would do nicely too.
“I haven’t scored yet but hopefully I can. Forward players and midfield players, it’s their job to score and mine to defend. But if I can pop up with a couple of goals, then so be it.”
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