Seamus Coleman's injury has been such a bitter pill to swallow for Irish fans as we all know what an exemplary professional and honest man he really is. And it's not just those who follow the boys in green who know it, as can be seen from the tributes that have poured in for the Everton from around the world man since Friday night.
Those traits that we admire so much in the Donegal native is what gives us hope that he will be back stronger than ever, but Stephen Hunt has also singled out a moment as he was leaving the pitch that struck a chord for him, in his latest column for Independent.ie.
After expressing his feelings regarding the Ireland captain, and how he is a shining example to aspiring footballers around the country, Hunt noted the way in which Coleman conducted himself in such a difficult and distressing moment.
Coleman held his head high, and Hunt believes that he did so to let everyone know that he has what it takes to overcome the injury.
If any player is going to come back stronger from a serious leg break, Seamus Coleman is your man. There are not many more determined and strong-willed young lads in the game.
He's the son you'd want to have and his parents should be very proud of him and how they have reared him. He has shown to many young Irish lads that if you work hard and commit totally to being a professional footballer, you can get your rewards.
He has proved you have to put that effort in. I have been away for days and weeks with him and I was constantly amazed at the way he goes about his job. It is no accident that he was chosen by Martin O'Neill as the Ireland captain, because he really does lead by example. He's not a ranter and raver, he gets respect for his demeanour and the way he conducts himself and plays.
I think that's why he raised his head when he was on the stretcher, in absolute agony and being led off the pitch. A lot of players would have laid back, hands over their eyes, concerned only with the pain and the state they're in. Seamus wanted to send a little message out to his team, and the country, that he was going to be OK. And I think he will be.
Lovely words by Hunt, it's an interesting observation and he may just be onto something.
Coleman's body language in the immediate aftermath of the incident may have also fooled many of the Irish fans into thinking it wasn't as bad as it actually was. There were no hysterics, and the crowd loudly cheered when Taylor was shown the red card because Coleman was not clearly in distress until the other players came over and saw what had happened.
It's a mark of his toughness, and whether or not he did indeed want to let everyone know he was going to be OK as he was carried off, Hunt's description of Coleman's determination and leadership ring true.
The former Reading and Hull City man continued to single out Shane Long for praise in the manner that he assisted his fallen teammate, before giving his view on the other flash-points in a fiercely contested qualifier.
You can read Hunt's column in full over on Independent.ie.
