‘I’ve not been playing... and I’m not going to throw my toys out of the pram’ – Séamus Coleman on Everton’s survival fight

The Ireland captain got some badly needed minutes in the international window, back-to-back 90 minute efforts from the 35-year-old and action that was a welcome change from his club situation.

Since he returned from injury in December, Coleman has played just five Premier League games and since his last start, two months ago, has played just twice as a sub.

So, time playing under O’Shea for Ireland was welcome.

“I’m delighted the manager has decided to play me in these couple of games,” Coleman said.

“I had the injury, which was disappointing, and came back, played, got a little niggle, came back again, done well, but got a little niggle.

“I’ve been fit for the last eight, ten weeks I’d say, it’s just a case of not being selected – which is fine, that happens. I don’t know how long I’ve been back fit, but I’ve been back fit for a while now.

Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 27th March

“It was just good to get over here and get some minutes and feel like I’m ready to go for the last ten games of the season.

“You always want to be out there. It’s a club thing and you support the lads at all times. I’ve been there before where I’ve not been playing and I’m not one of them that’s going to throw my toys out of the pram. I’m one of them that supports everyone.

“Ultimately, Everton is the main goal for me, not what’s at stake for me individually. It’s about the team. We’ve got ten games now to go back, stick together as a group and keep working hard as a group.

“We’ve been there before and we know what it takes, but you’ve got to have a real understanding that we have to work hard between now and the end of the season,” added Coleman.

O’Shea’s stint as interim boss officially ended after Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Switzerland, and with no senior game until June, the focus switches back to the manager hunt.

Based on comments by FAI director of football Marc Canham, O’Shea is not in the running and an appointment will be made next month once the FAI target’s contractual obligations are no longer in place.

But Coleman has given weight to the theory that O’Shea deserves an opportunity.

“I don’t want to sound like someone who’s played a couple of games for the manager and I am doing all I can to get him in, but being completely honest, the way he has conducted himself, how impressive he has been,” Coleman said.

“My time will be up soon, so it’s not on a personal level, but I think the way he’s carried himself, the work that he, Paddy (McCarthy), Glenn (Whelan) have done behind the scenes has been really impressive.”