Seamus Coleman hoping to recreate magic of his youth in World Cup qualifiers

Ahead of Saturday’s qualifier in Austria, Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has spoken about replicating his childhood World Cup memories in 2018 in Russia.

Martin O’Neill’s squad have made a steady start in Group D towards clinching the sole automatic ticket to the 2018 showpiece, with only goal difference separating them from leaders Serbia.

More points on the road, particularly against qualification rivals like Austria, are essential for progression and so avoiding defeat in the weekend assignment could be critical.

The 28-year-old had just entered his teens when Ireland last graced the global tournament.

Three attempts at reaching the World Cup has passed since that 2002 spectacular and the skipper has his sights on reclaiming Ireland’s place at the top table of world football.

“Even though I was just 13, I remember Robbie Keane’s goal against Germany like it was yesterday,” the Everton right-back told Fifa.com.

“It was an unbelievable moment and a moment that most Irish fans will always remember.

“Like me, they’ll know where they were when that goal went in.

“It was a great time to support the country, a brilliant tournament and hopefully we can give the younger generation something to cheer about by qualifying for the next one.

“It would be unbelievable to reach Russia. First and foremost, that will mean that the team has qualified so that’s the most important thing and then obviously the added bonus to that would be to add myself to that list.

“But I’m a team player so, for me, it’s all about the team getting there and the added bonus is the captain’s armband.”

Coleman explained he was honoured to be selected by Martin O’Neill to succeed Robbie Keane as captain following his retirement.

“The manager rang me to let me know about it,” recalled Coleman.

“Taking over from Robbie Keane is a massive step, as a kid growing up I always wanted to play for Ireland but to captain Ireland even tops that.

“I’m not going to replace what Robbie Keane did on the pitch but if I can take even a snippet of his enthusiasm and his pride for his country then I will have done well.”