Republic of Ireland international
Richard Dunne
believes Séamus Coleman could well opt to stay at Everton if the club succeeds in its bid to claim a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League.
The Dubliner’s former club are back in action this evening when they play Crystal Palace and Coleman’s form has been a significant factor in the side’s late-season surge with a run of seven straight Premier League victories including four clean sheets.
The 25-year-old, who manager Roberto Martinez described last week as "one of the best full-backs in world football" has come into his own at right back over the course of the campaign, scoring seven goals in 36 appearances for the Merseysiders while looking increasingly impressive in his defensive duties.
His progress has heightened speculation that former boss David Moyes will come calling for the Donegalman as part of the extensive rebuilding job to be undertaken at Old Trafford during the summer.
Extended deal
With Manchester United set to miss out on Europe's top competition next season, though, and Everton anxious to sign him up to a new, improved and extended deal, Dunne believes Coleman could do far worse than stay where he is for the time being.
“If they get into the Champions League, then I don’t see why not,” he said at a promotional event for Ford’s new “Swappage” scheme.
“It’s a great club although it does not have the financial backing of Manchester City or even Manchester United. But he’s playing every week, he’s a first choice and his form is brilliant so there is no real reason for him to go looking for stuff elsewhere.
“He has been brilliant the whole season and you see the confidence he had (in the 3-0 win over Arsenal), volleying the ball up the wing with his skill . . . He’s been great and if he can get into the Champions League it will improve him again. The only worry that Everton will have is that the bigger teams will try to take him.”
Wider implications
Everton making the Champions League would have wider implications for Ireland with the likes of Aiden McGeady and Darron Gibson in a position to return to the competition with the club.
But Dunne feels that Coleman and James McCarthy getting a first taste of the playing at that level will be a particular boost for Martin O’Neill.
“Yeah, the two of them have been brilliant for their club this season. I think the Ireland team will feel the benefit. And if Everton get into the Champions League then that will help them as well.
“But I think the team will evolve and Martin will bring a lot of new players in and it will progress. It’s a good group that we have and there’s a good chance of getting into the top two in the (Euro 2016) group,” added Dunne.
“Obviously, Scotland are improving so it will be difficult but it gives us a really good chance of qualifying.”
