Seamus Coleman celebrates his goal.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
SEAMUS Coleman rounded off a fine week in style by netting one of Everton’s goals in their opening day draw away to Norwich City on Saturday.
Coleman finished the Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw against Wales on Wednesday night wearning the captain’s armband and followed that up by firing home in the second half at Carrow Road.
In Roberto Martinez’s first competitive game at the Toffees, they fell behind when Steven Whittaker scored after his initial shot had hit the post.
Coleman was involved in the build-up to the equaliser, score in some fashion by 19-year old ace Ross Barkley, whose angled effort from 25 yards flew past John Ruddy.
Just a couple of minutes later, Coleman slotted home after Ruddy saved from Nikica Jelavic, only for Norwich’s new £8.5m signing Ricky van Wolfeswinkel to head home and earn a share of the spoils. Coleman also came close with a left footed half volley from 20 yards that flew inches past Ruddy’s right-hand post.
It was a fine performance from the in-form Killybegs man.
“The gaffer told me after the first half to get a bit more forward in the second,” he said.
“I think the keeper made a save and thankfully it broke to me. I just made sure I kept my head down and ensured it went in.
“I am delighted to score because it has been a while.
“Everyone was glad to get going. “It has been a long pre-season. We knew it was going to be a tough game and I think it showed out there with the result. It was a good game.
“It is always hard to take conceding a late goal. But first game of the season, away from home, a point wasn’t a bad result.”
With David Moyes having moved to Manchester United, Coleman will be delighted to continue his good form under Martinez, but the ex-St Catherine’s and Sligo Rovers man has laid down his aims for the season.
He said: “I want to win something. We’ve got a manager who has just come from winning the FA Cup, and ask any player and they want to get their hands on a trophy.
“I’ll always be boring and say I want to finish as high up the league as we can, and we do, but a cup would be great.
“The League Cup can be a big lift to your season. Look at Swansea last season. If we’re playing well week in week out it can give you confidence to do it in the cups.”
Coleman also has an eye on next month’s international double header that sees Ireland tackle two crunch World Cup qualifiers against Sweden (home) and Austria (away).
The Killybegs man is under no illusions about their importance. He said: “Those games next month will definitely be the most important that I will have played in ever.
“It’s going to tell the tale whether we go to the World Cup or not. We have to beat Sweden and then build towards the Austria game.”
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