Seamus Coleman: ‘I can’t explain how much I missed playing for Ireland’

The Republic of Ireland captain hasn't played for his country in 17 months but is a strong contender to start against Serbia in the World Cup opener tomorrow night

The Donegal man’s last appearance in green was a European Championship qualifier defeat to Switzerland back in October of 2019 when he saw red. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Seamus Coleman doesn’t know yet if he will start for the Republic of Ireland against Serbia tomorrow evening, but the Everton veteran admits that he is desperate to play for his country again after an intolerably long absence.

The Donegal man’s last appearance in green was a European Championship qualifier defeat to Switzerland back in October of 2019 when he saw red. Injuries, and Matt Doherty’s form, have since conspired against him and he has missed all eight of Stephen Kenny’s games in charge to date.