Seamus Coleman to train with Ireland in hybrid role

Seamus Coleman will train with the Republic of Ireland squad and support the coaching staff during its November Nations League camp, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said on 5 November. Coleman’s role leaves open whether he will play in Ireland’s matches against Austria and Kosovo, according to BBC Sport.

What Coleman’s hybrid role involves

Hallgrimsson described Coleman’s place in camp as a “hybrid role”: he will take part in training with the players while also providing leadership and support alongside the coaches. The manager said Coleman had expressed a desire to start playing again and that Ireland wanted to encourage him. “Hopefully that will get him to start playing again,” Hallgrimsson said, according to BBC Sport.

The arrangement follows Coleman’s omission from an earlier Ireland squad. In November’s camp he is involved with the group, but his eventual playing status remains undecided.

Ireland’s squad and Nations League fixtures

Hallgrimsson named a 24-man squad. Captain Nathan Collins returned after missing the previous international window with a calf injury. Goalkeeper Mark Travers replaced Gavin Bazunu, who withdrew from the September squad and is again unavailable through injury, according to BBC Sport and The 42. The 42 reported that Harvey Vale had returned after injury and was expected to be available ahead of the Austria match.

Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen and Jaden Umah were also left out while injured. Harvey Vale returned to the senior squad, while Owen Elding moved to the under-21s, BBC Sport reported. The 42 said Hallgrimsson viewed two wins as the most likely route to second place in League B3 and described that as Ireland’s goal.

Ireland are scheduled to play Austria in Linz on 14 November, then host Kosovo at Aviva Stadium on 17 November. BBC Sport reported that Ireland were third in League B3 and had won one of their previous four matches, giving the two fixtures a role in the team’s effort to improve its position.