Everton captain hails Coleman’s impact on team

Everton's Seamus Coleman signs autographs for young people from Donegal

The tribute was paid to the Everton star by his club captain, Phil Jagielka.

The other half mentioned by the England player was Leighton Baines, who has become one of the best and most consistent left backs in Europe.

Leighton Baines was the Goodison outfit’s best player last season while Seamus Coleman produced a series of impressive performances on his return from injury when moving to his more natural right back position. Prior to that he was employed mostly on the right side of midfield.

But the improvement in his defensive capabilities over previous seasons was evident when he enjoyed a regular run in the side in his favoured position in the latter half of the 2012-13 season.

Both men are set to play major roles under Roberto Martinez who is determined to play a more attacking game, and is expected to utilize the atacking flair of both full backs, possibly in wing-back roles.

Jagielka told the Liverpool Echo that he is convinced there are no more complete pairs of full-backs operating in the top flight.

“I don’t think so,” said the 30-year-old. “I think Bainesy, rightfully so, has been taking all the plaudits he has been Mr Consistency for the last few seasons.

“But, quietly going about his business, is Seamus and I am delighted for him. He’s such a great lad off the pitch that he deserves all the success on it.

“Now, I think he is beginning to realise how much of a good player he is and how much of a good player we think he is – not only the players and the staff but the fans as well.

“You hope he continues his form and continues his confidence because that is a massive part of his game.”

Both Coleman and Baines featured for Everton who won a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory in their opening International Champions Cup match against Juventus on Wednesday night following a 1-1 draw.

A £60,000 buy from Sligo Rovers, Coleman has not let success go to his head. He was recently pictured supporting his old team while on a trip home.

The Killybegs man also made time to sign autographs and chat to a large group of young people from Derry-Londonderry and Donegal when they took part in a cross-community trip organised by the Teenage Kickz organisation in May.

As did young Galliagh man Shane Duffy who will see next season as an important one to gain first team football experience, either at Goodison Park or on loan.