Coleman fit for Czech test as Ireland bid to end 24‑year wait

March 25 : Ireland defender Seamus Coleman is fit and raring to go for his side's World Cup playoff semi-final against the Czech Republic despite barely featuring for Everton this season, as he bids to deliver the country's first appearance at the finals since 2002.

Coleman was left out of the squad for Ireland's opening two qualifying games, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson citing his lack of game time at club level.

The 37-year-old has started all four matches since then, despite playing only 12 minutes in the Premier League this season.

"Everyone wants to be playing, that's the way it works," vice-captain Coleman told reporters in Prague ahead of Thursday's game.

"I didn't have many minutes before the last games, but I train 100 per cent every single day. Sometimes to my own detriment, maybe sometimes I go too hard and it's cost me at times, but it's the only way I know.

"When you put on the green shirt and when everything's at stake, I'm feeling good and I'm ready for the game."

Ireland began their campaign collecting one point from three games, but turned things around with three consecutive wins and that is what the team are focussing on rather than previous playoff defeats for the 2010 and 2018 World Cups.

"Obviously the nation was hurt massively," Coleman said.

"But in terms of the current group of players, they're all so young, I don't think they're dwelling too much on that hurt.

"We're just riding the wave of the confidence we've got as a group, which I think this young group deserves after the last two games. To see how the nation is feeling now is incredible, and we've got a duty to try and make them even happier."

PARROTT'S PLAYOFF PUSH

A playoff spot seemed almost impossible as Ireland went into their final two group