I STILL HAVE DRIVE FOR IRELAND

Coleman admits he could never turn down the Boys in Green

- BY MARK McCADDEN

SEAMUS COLEMAN

SEAMUS COLEMAN says he is ready to “go and experience new things” now that his time as an Everton player is up.

But the veteran Ireland star is convinced that he will be back at the Merseyside club that he called home for over 17 years before long.

Coleman has decided to move on so that he can extend his international career and possibly even play at Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted in the Aviva Stadium.

While he has yet to begin the process of weighing up his next move, Coleman is certain that his departure from the Toffees is just temporary.

David Moyes has repeatedly stated his desire to see Coleman there in a non-playing capacity, and the Donegalman is eager to return some day.

“The club have been very good to me and my family,” he said. “There are opportunities to go and learn on whatever the next stage of my career is.

“I don't think me and Everton are finished but it might be good for me to go and experience new things.”

Coleman insists his only thoughts right now are on winning another couple of caps for Ireland, to add to the 79 he has already.

There was a point where he feared the friendly against North Macedonia in late March might be his last - and when he brought his children onto the pitch ahead of that one it felt like a farewell.