Heimir Hallgrimsson keen for Seamus Coleman to continue international career

Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson is desperate to retain Seamus Coleman’s experience as he plots a way through the upcoming World Cup qualification campaign.

The 36-year-old Everton defender has been a mainstay for successive Ireland managers during a senior international career which currently spans more than 14 years, and Hallgrimsson is keeping his fingers crossed that one of his most influential players is still around when Hungary head for Dublin in September for the opening qualifier.

Coleman has been forced to withdraw from the squad for next week’s friendly against Senegal and the trip to Luxembourg which follows it because of a thigh injury, but the Icelander is keen to retain what he offers both on and off the pitch in the longer term.

MNT SQUAD CONFIRMED