Hallgrímsson on everything from Coleman's World Cup plans to tricky June windows

Irish Daily Mirror

4 days ago

Heimir Hallgrímsson has expressed his hope that Seamus Coleman will be available for the World Cup qualifiers when they kick off in September.
The Ireland manager would love to have the services of the Everton legend - both on and off the pitch - as the Boys in Green bid for a return to the world stage.
Coleman has played in just one of Hallgrímsson's games in charge so far. He came off in the Nations League game at home to England with an injury and hasn't featured since.
The Donegal native turns 37 in October, but he looks set to continue at Everton next season as they move into their brand new Bramley Moore Dock stadium.
And Hallgrímsson, who on Thursday morning confirmed that the veteran would miss the June friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg, is eager to tap into his experience.
Here's what he said about Coleman and other topics during Thursday's press conference…
'He is a leader in this squad and you cannot have his experience in many players. His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well.
'I know he's going to be at Everton (next season) in whatever role, maybe a little bit more (of a) leadership role, but it's for him to answer if he's going to continue playing or not.
'It's his decision, but I'm hoping – and I know the Evertonians are hoping - he will continue playing.'
'(Will he be around for the World Cup qualifiers? )That's for him to decide, not me.'
'It would have been tough (heading into a World Cup qualifier) having a similar squad to Bulgaria when we played them to have a lot of players who finished a month ago, keeping them fit for an important game.
'We couldn't have done what we did, given them an extended holiday and off season so they will be fit in September so they will be rested when it comes to the new season.
'The June window has not been successful for Ireland in the past, it's been a tricky window, not playing for a month and then coming in to the national team camp for a game that's maybe on a higher level than you play on a regular basis.
'You are never 100 percent physically fit or mentally focussed after a holiday period, so yes, I am happy we are not playing World Cup group stage at this time.'
'His playing time at Stoke got less and less, maybe because it was a loan but we know his qualities, we see him as a part of the squad in the future.
'He is still young but he has qualities to play more position than one, he made a good impression with the minutes he played against England when he came in, in a tough game, he really impressed us.
'The last camp was more or less down to the playing time he had at Stoke, we also have good players in these positions.'
'Yeah, he will be available (for the start of the World Cup qualifiers). According to him he is going to be the fittest player in pre-season so definitely in September he will be ready for us.'