Ireland captain Coleman expected to start England clash despite missing training

The Everton full-back was joined on the sidelines at FAI headquarters by fellow defender Andrew Omobamidele.

Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and Seamus Coleman, right, during a Republic of Ireland training session. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Séamus Coleman and Andrew Omobamidele were the only Irish players to sit out training on Tuesday as preparations cranked up for Saturday’s derby against England.

New manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was relieved to include captain Coleman in his squad but his recovery from a calf injury, especially being in the twilight of his career, demands careful management of his training load.

The Everton full-back was joined on the sidelines at FAI headquarters by fellow defender Omobamidele.

He’d been an unused substitute in Nottingham Forest’s opening two Premier League games, played the full 90 minutes of the Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest but was absent last weekend. 

While Coleman is expected to be fit to start at Lansdowne Road (5pm), the extent of Omobamidele’s injury is unknown.

One player who is fit and willing to be involved is Kasey McAteer.

The Leicester City winger declared for Ireland through his late maternal grandmother from Co. Offaly and could make his debut against his homeland after some Premier League exposure.

He could also have represented Northern Ireland – with whom he had some “conversations” – but chose the Republic.

“It took a while to get my Irish passport but I’m here now and want to get started,” he said on Tuesday.

“I felt wanted here. I felt really good after having chats with Stephen Kenny and then John O’Shea.

“My late Uncle Joe wore an Ireland jersey and reminded me of my heritage growing up. I’ve got seven relatives coming over.

“There’s a clear vision in the squad. The manager doesn’t give much away but we’ve seen his new ways.

“England are a world-class side and we need our own structure to nullify their strengths. It’s 11 v 11 on the day and we’ve to believe we can get the win we all hope for.”