Mick McCarthy insists that he has ‘total faith’ in Seamus Coleman and the Killybegs will retain the Republic of Ireland captaincy under his watch.
Coleman was left out of the Everton team for two games recently before being recalled for yesterday’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park.
The Killybegs man’s form this season has sparked debate about selection, given the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matt Doherty.
However, McCarthy has given Coleman a ringing endorsement.
“I’ve no worries about him at all,” McCarthy said.
“He’s such a good player, such a great lad and there is no problem.
“Even if he wasn’t playing, I’d have no worries about him.
“He’s been a super player and he still is. You could argue Matt Doherty is playing well for Wolves. But he is the captain and if he’s fit, I’ve got total faith in Seamus.”
30-year-old Coleman was signed by Everton from Sligo Rovers for a bargain £60,000 ten years ago.
His next cap will be his 50th for Ireland and McCarthy will stand by the former St Catherine’s right-back. McCarthy pointed to his own playing career and faith shown in him by Jack Charlton.
He said: “I remember being in the situation at Millwall and not playing. Big Jack picked me every time I turned up. Because he could rely on me. I know I can rely on Seamus.
“I believe it’s my job to show faith in people even if they’re having a tough time. I was shown a lot of faith by managers in the past and it’s amazing what you get from it.
“I’m not saying do it for that reason, I don’t…is it learned behaviour? I think it is. Experience you get.
“Suddenly you’re not playing for a couple of games and the international manager doesn’t call you, that’s not good. I didn’t get that. I got real support from Big Jack who picked me and played me.
“Even coming back from Lyon I ended up playing and captaining in the World Cup. I’ve experienced that level of faith in your ability and what you do.”
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