Seamus Coleman’s horror injury continues to cast long shadow

If, as is now widely feared, Coleman will not play again this year, then O’Neill will have a decision to make about who will become his first-choice full-back, writes Liam Mackey.

On foot of securing another useful point to maintain Ireland’s unbeaten record in World Cup qualifying and keep them joint top of Group D on points at the halfway stage, and with the prospect of a friendly tonight against Iceland — everyone’s second-favourite Euro 2016 side — to relish, there would, in other circumstances, have been a generally upbeat mood to match the gloriously sunny weather out at Abbotstown yesterday.