Martin O'Neill has told his Republic of Ireland players to keep Seamus Coleman in their thoughts ahead of the tonight's World Cup Qualifier against Wales.
The Everton defender had his season ended when the sides met last March at the Aviva Stadium when a disgraceful lunge from Neil Taylor left him with a double leg fracture.
The Boys in Green go into tonight’s game in Cardiff knowing victory will set up a do-or-die tie for a place at the World Cup in Russia next summer.
Coleman remains sidelined having recently returned to some light running following the horrific injury, the Boys in Green are boosted by the return of James McClean and Robbie Brady from suspension.
“I don't know about revenge,” O’Neill said when asked if they had added incentive to beat the Welsh.
“But certainly I think the view among the players is that if Russia was available to us and we could make it there, I would think Seamus would be very much at the forefronts of our minds.
“He has obviously been a class player, a world-class player and he's been essential for us. We have missed him and it would be nice to go there.
“He is making a good recovery now, but I think that when he's ready, he will get back to the form he showed both for club and country.
“It would be nice if, by the time he is back, that he has got something to cheer on at international level.”
🎙Martin O'Neill has urged his Republic of Ireland players to win tonight's World Cup Qualifier against Wales for Seamus Coleman. pic.twitter.com/LTQiw5Mc8U
— 98FM Sport (@98FMsport) October 9, 2017
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