Coleman not surprised 'respectful' Dewsbury-Hall has ruled out Ireland switch

Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall celebrates. Pic:  Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Séamus Coleman isn’t surprised that his ‘fabulous’ Everton teammate Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has once again ruled out switching allegiance to Ireland.

Talk of the 27-year-old midfielder jumping ship intensified recently when he missed out on England’s World Cup squad but the player rubbished a social media post suggesting an upcoming move.

“Just not true,” said the Leicestershire-born playmaker. “Massive respect to [Ireland] as I’ve previously stated, but I’m English & England is always the dream.” 

Just as Dewsbury-Hall took to X, his captain for the season at Everton was being asked about the prospect at FAI headquarters in Abbotstown.

While he didn’t dismiss it entirely, Coleman dampened any excitement about Ireland gaining a valuable player at the peak of his career.

“I have spoken to him and he’s been extremely respectful,” said the Donegalman, who has left Everton after 17 years.

“I’ve been pushing nearly every day as we have a coffee.

“It doesn’t feel right for him now. Which I respect as well. He’s not wanting to wait, wait and wait and then jump to Ireland.

“I think his dream was to play for England. I’m not speaking for him; he's done interviews talking about that.

“But I think there still might be time to try and get into him.

“But he’s a fabulous player, a good friend and I don’t want to put any more pressure on him or force his hand or anything.” 

That doesn’t seem necessary as the player has a singular focus on continuing with the homeland, whom he’s represented up to U21 level.

Coleman would like to be marking the 27-year-old next season but the free agent isn’t hung up on remaining in the top-flight.

“I’ve not played regularly in the Premier League for the last couple of years really but I feel fine,” said the 37-year-old.

“I feel like I could have played more times this season.

“It was very unfortunate against Manchester United in November after the two Ireland games.

“I came back and we had a few big training sessions, then I played against Man United and had to come off after ten minutes which was unfortunate.

“I think as you get older, everyone’s picking up injuries no matter what age they are but as they get older it can look a bit worse for you.

“Maybe I’m foolish but I still feel like I can compete at a very good level.”