Seamus Coleman has revealed that he would consider starting his management career in the League of Ireland.
"My focus is probably on playing as long as I can in England at the highest level I can and I wouldn't want to come back to the League of Ireland just to come back - I would want to make sure I had something to offer," the Everton fullback told the Greatest League in the World podcast.
The 29-year-old, who joined Everton from Sligo Rovers in January 2009, said that his ambitions differ from those of Ireland teammate James McClean.
I know James (McClean) is very passionate about coming back to Derry and being a Derry lad I think that hits home a bit more for him. But he wants to come back with plenty in the tank, from talking to him. I want to play as long as I can at the highest level and then see from there.
Just over a year ago, and only weeks following on from the leg break he suffered against Wales in a World Cup qualifier, Coleman signed a new long-term deal with Everton to keep him at the club until 2022.
His playing still has many years to run but when it does end, the Donegal man sees the League of Ireland as a possible launching point for the next phase of his football career.
"It has crossed my mind a few times to get my coaching badges done and managing, or starting, in the League of Ireland. And try and do well and build from there."
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
