Ronald Koeman backs Seamus Coleman to make full recovery

Ronald Koeman has described Seamus Coleman as “one of the best professionals I’ve ever worked with” and said the player’s “strength of character” will help him make a complete recovery from his broken leg.

Revealing that he contacted the Donegal man on the day after the game against Wales, the Everton manager said: “He was in pain when we spoke — it is normal to have some pain after such an injury — and, naturally, he was feeling very down. This is all normal. But he knows he will have a lot of support, and the reaction of Evertonians, their thoughts and good wishes, and the reaction of so many other people as well who follow the game, will mean a lot to Seamus.

“In all my years in football, Seamus is one of the best professionals I’ve ever worked with.