Coleman: ‘Jon Walters nearly carried us to the Euros’

Mick McCarthy and Seamus Coleman have paid tribute in Gibraltar to Jon Walters, after the striker announced that injury has forced him to retire from football, bringing to a close an illustrious Irish career which saw him score 14 goals in 54 appearances.

“He came in (to Dublin) yesterday and let a few of us know,” said skipper Coleman. “As long we’ve both been in the squad he’s been nothing short of an example to all of us. The pride every time he has played for his country has been inspirational, to be honest. People like him will be sadly missed.”