Ireland boss Hallgrimsson wants Coleman to play on for EURO 2028

Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has admitted that he and Séamus Coleman have spoken on his future, with the manager hopeful he will continue to play.

After last Thursday’s disappointing penalty shootout defeat to Czechia in the World Cup play-off semi-final in Prague, many believed it may have been the last time the Killybegs man played competitively for his country.

The 37-year-old then captained his side in a 0-0 draw at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday evening against North Macedonia, playing an hour before being substituted for former Letterkenny Rovers underage player James Abankwah in what looked like it could have been Coleman’s last time stepping onto the field as a player at Lansdowne Road.

With Coleman’s contract up at Everton in the summer and nothing confirmed for next season, his future is uncertain, but the former St Catherine's and Sligo Rovers man has not mentioned anything on retirement for club or country.

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But when asked after the game about Coleman, Hallgrimsson said that they have had a chat, with the Icelandic boss hopeful he will play a part on the field.

"I'd like him as a player," Hallgrímsson said.

“We had a good talk and we want him to go as long as he can.

“Our desire is to keep him for a long, long time. He is good to help the young players to grow. He is a good player. Why should he retire?

“It will be connected to what he does at his club.”

Ireland have friendlies coming up in May and June, first up against Grenada in Murcia, Spain, before a match against Qatar in Dublin on May 28. They then face Canada in Montreal on June 6.