Soccer

Our players are as good as England's: Ireland skipper Seamus Coleman

Republic of Ireland's Seamus Coleman has lauded the talent in Stephen Kenny's squad
Republic of Ireland's Seamus Coleman has lauded the talent in Stephen Kenny's squad Republic of Ireland's Seamus Coleman has lauded the talent in Stephen Kenny's squad

SEAMUS Coleman says there will be no inferiority complex among the Republic of Ireland players when they face-off against cross-channel neighbours England tonight.

The Everton defender, who is expected to be named at right back at Wembley this evening, reminded reporters that while England have some top players, many of the Irish squad are plying their trade at the same level.

“Nowadays, if you follow football, you’d know England players but we probably have that advantage of knowing them that bit more,” said Coleman.

“I think we need to look to ourselves as well. I know England have some top class players playing at high profile clubs but we’ve got Premier League players ourselves. We know they’ve got dangerous players but we’ve got Premier League quality as well.

“I’d imagine England will be favourites but you’ve got to believe in yourself. Matt [Doherty] is at Tottenham one of the top teams, I’m at Everton, Conor Hourihane is at Villa, who are doing well, although he’s not playing at the minute. We’ve got to believe that we’re a very good team. We’ve got some Championship players who are very good, Shane Duffy in Scotland as well.”

Coleman, who turned 32 last month, was displaced in the Irish team by Doherty but his good club form is likely to see him edge into Stephen Kenny’s first XI.

Meanwhile, the popular Donegal man has saluted Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford for his campaign to feed hungry children.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the 23-year-old frontman on Saturday to confirm that the Government had performed a U-turn and decided to fund free meals for disadvantaged youngsters over the Christmas holidays, belatedly answering his call to do so.

Asked about the England forward's efforts, Ireland skipper Coleman said: "I think it's clear, anyone who has been following it. He's only a young lad himself and to be taking that on his shoulders and to genuinely, sincerely want to be making a difference, it's a massive credit to him and I think it's something that he should be applauded for highly.

"He comes across as a very grounded young footballer, a very talented footballer as well. On the pitch, he's a top-class talent, a very dangerous footballer, but what he's doing off the pitch, it's inspiring for all players in the Premier League to dig in and get involved and help in any way you can with whatever causes that you want to encourage.

"I think Marcus has done a remarkable job. He deserves all the credit in the world for it, and fair play to him."

Like many footballers, Coleman himself has supported a series of initiatives, some of them publicly and others privately, donating 15,000 Euros to a fund set up to send a child to America for live-saving surgery earlier this year having already contributed 20,000 Euros to the Feed the Heroes charity.

He said: "Luckily enough by playing football, I've been lucky enough to earn some money out of it and I feel like it's something that I can do to help people.

"I've got two daughters myself and some of the causes that I reach out to, it's maybe parents needing help with treatment for kids, or whatever the case may be and if you can help in any way you can, it's important.

"It's something that I really enjoy doing. Sometimes I put my name towards it, sometimes I don't. The reason I put my name towards sometimes is hoping that the likes of yourselves get hold of it and then it gains recognition for the cause and on the back of that, more money can be raised.

"As a footballer, I think we're in a very privileged position and it's nice to help people when you can."