Seamus Coleman and John Stones, who replaced him in last night’s draw.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
ROBERTO Martinez, the Everton manager, has admitted his concern at the hamstring strain suffered by Seamus Coleman in last night’s draw at West Bromwich Albion.
The Killybegs man limped out of the action with eleven minutes to go at the Hawthorns. Everton’s medics will assess the 25-year old’s injury later today to determine its seriousness.
The Irish international – who is reportedly catching the eye of his former boss David Moyes, the Manchester United manager – was replaced by John Stones, just moments after Diego Lugano’s header cancelled out Kevin Mirallas’ opener for Everton in the first half.
“Seamus felt his hamstring a little bit,” Martinez said.
“We are going to assess him.
“We are going to be cautious and see what the problem is but it’s not a good sign because Seamus would never want to come off the football pitch.
“He has been in a terrific moment of form so we will try to get him back on as quick as we can.”
Coleman has played 31 competitive games this season between club and country. He has hit six goals for the Toffees and is in a terrific run of form, scoring five goals in his last eleven outings for Everton.
Last night’s draw means the Blues stay in sixth spot in the table, just a point off the four-placed team, Liverpool.
Martinez said: “It’s fair to say that we started the game really well. In the first half an hour we were very dangerous and got rid of the pressure West Brom were trying to apply.
“But when you get into that dominant position, you need to get that two-goal cushion. In the second half, we probably weren’t at our best in terms of managing the game. Both teams pressed each other really well but we are disappointed to concede a goal in the way that we did.”
Everton are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Broadhall Way to take on League One outfit Stevenage FC.
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