Most football fans have been celebrating the return of the Premier League this week, but images coming from Everton on Friday afternoon have given Irish fans an additional reason to smile.
Following his horrendous injury in March, Seamus Coleman has returned to the training ground on Merseyside. Faith in the Ireland skipper's return was never in doubt by the club, who offered the Donegal man a long-term contract extension shortly after his injury.
The 28-year-old has been sidelined since breaking both bones in his lower right leg after a tackle from Neil Taylor during Ireland's scoreless draw World Cup Qualifier with Wales.
Initial projections suggested that Coleman would be out of action for at least six months, but he was pictured on Friday afternoon taking some part in training.
💪#COYB pic.twitter.com/6XX3WpHCZn
— Everton (@Everton) August 11, 2017
Shortly after his injury and beginning his road to rehabilitation, Coleman said:
It hasn’t been a smooth journey to play for Everton and to captain my country. I’m a fighter and there’s a part of me that’s looking forward to this challenge. It’s something to start all over again and fight for.
I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to the challenge ahead because it’s going to be tough but I’ve had tough journeys before and this is just another one.
It remains unclear whether Coleman will feature for Everton in the coming weeks. No indication has been given as to whether the injury has healed fully and with Ireland's upcoming World Cup Qualifier clash with Georgia coming up next month, boss Martin O'Neill will be hoping the former Sligo Rovers man is not risked prematurely.
