Cyrus Christie relaxed about the Coleman obstacle
Seamus Coleman has assumed the right-back position since Euro 2012 and, barring injury, his four years of regular service in the role will be rewarded at the latest instalment this June in France.
Challenging the Everton man for the defensive berth represents an arduous task but just like he did in the memorable win over Germany, when Coleman missed out through injury, Christie showed in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Slovakia how much of an able deputy he is.
The 23-year-old has even been mentioned in dispatches as a possible cure to Ireland’s long-term problem at left-back, such is Coleman’s grip on the opposite side.
Modestly, however, it’s making the squad, rather than the team, which consumes him mostly as less than two months remain before O’Neill finalises his roster for Euros in June.
“I’m not guaranteed to be in the 23 yet,” the Derby County full-back emphasises. “I’ve got to keep playing my game and put thoughts in the manager’s mind that he will take me to France.
“I think I’ve done myself no harm with each performance I’ve given since coming in two years ago. I’m a laid-back character and just knew I had to go there and play my normal game.
“I enjoyed the match against Slovakia, even though the manner in which we conceded the two goals wasn’t good.
“I suppose that’s to be expected in a friendly match when the manager is changing players around and people are trying to impress.
“It was a little bit disjointed at times because there were so many changes and substitutions. Overall, though, I felt we dominated the game, got ourselves on the ball and created chances. On another day, we would have won that game comfortably.
“The manager comes to a lot of Derby’s games, as does Seamus McDonagh.
“Hopefully I’ve done enough to prove to them that I’m more than capable of going to the Euros and performing well.”
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