Seamus Coleman makes Everton comeback in U23 victory - 'It was great to feel like a footballer again'

Everton right-back Seamus Coleman says he finally feels like a footballer again after ending his injury turmoil and making his comeback on Tuesday night.

Coleman played an hour for Everton Under 23s in their Premier League cup tie win over Portsmouth.

It was the 29 year-old’s first appearance since suffering a double leg break for the Republic of Ireland against Wales in a World Cup qualifier last March.

Now the defender is hoping to force himself into contention for a senior appearance.

“I’ve been looking forward to that moment for the last few months, just being able to get the kit on, doing up the shin-pads, rolling my socks up and walking out there,” said Coleman.

“It was great to be able to feel like a footballer again – it’s a fantastic feeling.

“I knew tackles and things like that were never going to be a bother. That one was more for the few fans that were here that there are no psychological effects.

“I enjoyed the game. It was great for it to be at Goodison Park – it made it that little bit more special. They tried to change the game when I could be involved and thankfully they have been able to do it. 

“To be able to walk out the tunnel and see the stadium was great. I managed to get some minutes under my belt and that was fantastic. I treated it like a first-team game and gave it everything.” 

Much has changed since Coleman’s last Everton appearance, a manager departing and major changes to the squad.

Despite the millions in investment, his absence has been felt as much as any for club and country. Ireland were lamenting his absence as they fell just short of qualifying for the World Cup via the play-offs.

Sam Allardyce is being careful as to when Coleman is ready to make the next step, anxious to ensure he does not cause a further lay-off by returning too soon.

“We will be very cautious in throwing him into the squad,” said the manager.

Coleman, however, is itching to get back to Premier League

“It’s just a case of going game by game now,” he told Everton’s club website after the 3-0 U23 victory.

“For now, it’s get back into training and try to impress the manager by working hard and fingers crossed, it wont be long before I am back out there. 

“Training has been going great so far. I have enjoyed every second and I am just thankful to be back out there.”