Coleman: I can be the same player for Everton after injury

Everton defender Seamus Coleman has rubbished any claims that he might not be able to hit the height of his powers again when he returns from injury.

The 28-year-old suffered a horror leg break while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland in March, needing surgery on a broken tibia and fibula after a tackle by Wales’ Neil Taylor.

Coleman may not play again this year with a lengthy layoff expected, but is believes any suggestion that he might struggle to regain the same form he was showing for the Toffees this term is nonsense.

“I knew instantly that I’d broken a bone in my leg, and the initial thought was to hold it, in case someone tried to lift me up to take a quick free-kick,” he said.

“It was a case of trying to stay calm and looking after it until the doctors came on. I told them it was broken, and they knew. Once they had it under control, it was only then that the pain kicked in.

“I’ve watched it back, psychologically there’s some players that don’t want to, but I think it’s best to get it out the way. It’s fine, I’ve got over all that. Obviously, it’s not nice, but it happens.

“I’m now looking forward to the challenge, it’s not been smooth for me to get to where I am, so this is another little challenge.

“I’ll have good days and bad, but I’ve still got the best job in the world, so I have to stay positive.

“[Staying patient] will be the hard bit. I’ve read different articles, and I’ve got no fear of coming back a different player, none of that nonsense.

“I won’t be afraid of my first tackle. But the time will be the one. We just have to break it into months.”