Coleman puts Toffee friendship aside for Wales clash

Everton defender Seamus Coleman insists his friendship with fellow Toffee Ashley Williams will be put to one side when the pair lead out their national teams in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Dublin on Friday.

Coleman will skipper the Republic of Ireland, earning his 43rd cap in the process, and will do the coin toss with fellow Everton defender Williams, who captains Wales.

Although the pair have developed a close friendship since Williams’ arrival from Swansea in the summer, Coleman has put their friendship to one side ahead of their qualifier.

And with just one team guaranteed to qualify to the 2018 Finals in Russia, the Irishman is fully focussed on performing for his country.

(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

“Once I left (Goodison) after the Hull game, I had my Irish head on straight away,” said Coleman.

“I’ve got very close to Ash in the time that he’s been here. I’ve got to know him very well and he’s a great lad.

“He’s a winner and he’ll make sure Wales are up for it as well. But whenever I go to meet up with Ireland it’s business and I’m looking forward to the game.

“It’s proud for both of us to be captain of our countries and we’ll both be doing all we can to win for our team.

“I’m a very proud Irishman and I love pulling on that green jersey.

“I’ve really enjoyed being captain and that hasn’t changed me from day to day. I was given the captaincy for a reason. The manager has seen something.”