Meyler: Players devastated by Coleman heartbreak

Concern for the welfare of their stricken captain Seamus Coleman rather than the road to Russia was the overriding emotion of Ireland’s players after their scoreless draw against Wales.

David Meyler, a long-time friend of the Everton man from their days with Ireland’s U21s, cast a disconsolate figure at Lansdowne Road when reflecting on an incident which is set to end Coleman’s season.

“We are all devastated for Seamus and it is heartbreaking,” explained the Hull City man, who suffered two serious knee injuries during his early days at Sunderland.