Seamus Coleman won’t be blown off Russia course

Seamus Coleman won’t allow ominous weather bulletins, or storm clouds blowing towards Everton, distract him from his priority of World Cup qualification.

The leadership qualities of the defender so evident during the Euros have been solidified in this campaign by his appointment as captain and, this evening in the white-hot battle in Vienna, he admits the opportunity of mounting a leap towards Russia in 2018 is there for the taking.

Victory for Ireland would open up a six-point gap over Marcel Koller’s side, one of their main rivals for the one automatic qualification berth on offer, and the steady start to the campaign offers them belief of achieving the mission.