'He’s a warrior': Seamus Coleman backs Shane Duffy to get back into top form

Shane Duffy during a Republic of Ireland training session at Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Seamus Coleman may or may not make a first appearance in 17 months for the Republic of Ireland in Belgrade tonight but the veteran right-back has already displayed the sort of leadership and emotional intelligence this week that make him such a fitting captain.

Shane Duffy’s difficulties on and off the field have been picked at for months now but they are receiving a fresh airing this week as Ireland prepare for a first World Cup qualifier and the centre-back’s readiness for the task ahead is debated.