‘Performed admirably’: Everton defender praised for his international display last night

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Everton defender Seamus Coleman is currently away from Goodison Park on international duty.

On Wednesday night, the Toffees skipper made his first appearance for the Republic of Ireland since October 2019.

Stephen Kenny’s charges got their World Cup qualifying campaign under way with a trip to Serbia, with Coleman lining up on the right side of a back three in a 3-5-2 formation.

The visitors took the lead on 18 minutes as a well-worked move culminated in Alan Browne scoring a fine header to end Ireland’s seven-game goalless streak.

However, Serbia surged back as Dusan Vlahovic levelled for the hosts after 40 minutes, before Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a quick-fire second-half brace.

Although James Collins netted four minutes from time, it ended up being just a consolation as Ireland remain winless since Kenny took charge.

Despite the defeat, Coleman did very well on his return to the national side, though there were a few minor criticisms.

RTE gave him 7 out of 10 and wrote: “Recalled to the starting XI by Stephen Kenny and in a new role as part of a three-man central defence.

“Used his experience to cover in behind on a couple of occasions and slotted back in as if he had never been away.

“As Serbia pushed in the second half his reading of danger looked as if it would pay dividends until Dusan Tadic and Mitrovic combined to devastating effect.

“Also got away with a penalty shout when he lost his footing and slid into Vlahovic.”

Pundit Arena also gave him 7 out of 10, writing: “The Ireland captain, earning his 57th cap, returned to the starting XI on the right-side of a back-three and performed admirably in an unfamiliar position.

“Coleman was neat in possession and was on hand to make his fair share of clearances and blocks as Serbia controlled possession and probed for an opening.

“Like the rest of Ireland’s defence, he was caught out at least two of Serbia’s goals.”

Meanwhile, the Irish Times gave Coleman 6 out of 10, but were very complimentary of the Everton star.

“Slipped seamlessly back into life at international level and read things well in an unfamiliar role,” they wrote.

“There were no piercing forward runs down the right as he was tucked inside but it was great to see the skipper back.”