Seamus Coleman celebrates scoring a last-minute winner for Everton against Cardiff City last weekend
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
SEAMUS Coleman says he is content at Everton despite rumours that Manchester United and Arsenal are preparing to table a bid for his services this summer.
The 25-year-old Killybegs man has been in flying form for the Toffees this season, scoring seven goals.
A 3-2 win against Swansea City at Goodison Park keeps alive their hopes of European qualification and Coleman has been central to their challenge.
Manager Roberto Martinez is to rebuff any advances for the former Sligo Rovers full-back and is set to offer the Republic of Ireland international a new contract as a reward for his scintillating campaign.
Coleman has been linked to Arsenal, who see him as an ideal replacement for Bacary Sagna, and Manchester United, managed by David Moyes, who brought him to Everton in 2009.
“I am as happy now at Everton as I was on day one,” Coleman said of the recent speculation.
“I put it to the back of my mind. I just want to impress as much as I can.”
Although comparisons have been made between Coleman and the likes of Bayern Munich’s Philip Lahm and Dani Alves, the modest Donegal man shrugged off suggestions of similarities.
“I don’t really think the manager is talking about me to be honest,” said Coleman. “It’s nice to hear those kind of things, but when I go out on the pitch I’m not thinking, ‘I’m the best at this or that’.
“I’m going to be judged on the next 90 minutes no matter what has gone on before. I don’t think about what I may have done in the previous three games. It is about proving myself again. None of what has gone on before counts.
“That is how I like to play. I don’t study other right-backs as such. I’ll watch the games in the Champions League and might pay more attention to that position, just to see how they are getting on.
“I know Dani Alves is brilliant for his attacking play but, for me, Philipp Lahm is the best full-back around. When he is playing I will try and watch him.”
Goals by Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and a Leighton Baines penalty gave Everton a 3-2 win over Swansea on Saturday with Newcastle United next up on Tuesday night. Everton are in sixth place and have a game in hand over fourth-place Arsenal, whom they trail by eight points and play at home in two weeks’ time.
“The top four have pulled away a little bit and we need teams to slip up, but if it isn’t Champions League I would be happy to get into the Europa League,” said Coleman.
“European nights on a Thursday at Goodison are great and I made my debut in the competition against Benfica when I was just breaking through, so it has good memories.”
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