Hallgrimsson hails 'phenomenal' Coleman ...Ireland's modern day Peter Pan

MARTIN O'NEILL would often say during his time in charge of Ireland that he wished Robbie Keane was 10 years younger.

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

If Heimir Hallgrimsson could indulge in some form of Peter Pan trickery with one player, it would no doubt be the brilliant Seamus Coleman.

No longer wearing the armband - that honour has been passed to Nathan Collins - Coleman is still Ireland's biggest leader on the pitch.

At the age of 37, and lacking in first-team minutes at club level, he somehow managed to power his way through all 90, plus a significant chunk of additional time, on Thursday night.

Taken off late in Lisbon, a decision that many felt contributed to the injury-time lapse that led to Ruben Nevess winner, there was no chance of his number going up this time.

Perhaps he is a distant cousin of the famously ageless Mr Pan, as he looked none the worse for wear when the final whistle blew to confirm one of the great Irish results.

Coleman powered his way up and down the right flank throughout, he constantly egged teammates on and he made sure the crowd stayed engaged with the odd gesture towards the stands.

His performance was so remarkable that Hallgrimsson had to agree afterwards that the Donegal man was nothing short of phenomenal.

And he wondered out loud how Coleman’ Everton manager David Moyes could do without him, so commainding was his display against a uniquely talented Portuguese attack.

‘Yeah said the Ireland manager, “he’s a unique example, this guy. What do you say? Phenomenal?