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| Ross Barkley and John Stones have been two of Everton's shining lights this season |
SEAMUS COLEMAN at the age of 27 has become a father figure for some of Everton’s exciting young talent – perfect timing for impending parenthood.
While the Republic of Ireland star awaits the birth of his first child next month Goodison Park anticipates big things from precocious talent like John Stones (21), Ross Barkley (21), Gerald Deulofeu (21) and Romelu Lukaku (22).
There’s also been 19-year-old Brendan Galloway to help babysit with England full-back Leighton Baines on the sidelines following surgery.
“I suppose I’ve had to become more responsible. It wasn’t so long ago that I was one of the younger players so it has sort of crept up on me.” he admitted.
“But really they are pretty mature for their age. You can see that by the way they are playing.”
A place in the League Cup semi-final and two straight thumping home wins against Sunderland (6-2) and Aston Villa (4-0) has got the natives purring with Crystal Palace due on Merseyside tomorrow night.
If a basically young side continues to mature then talk of going someway towards replicating the golden Everton era of the eighties isn’t so fanciful.
Coleman added: “We have a great team at the minute and it is about us putting in the performances and listening to the advice the manager gives us. But although it’s very exciting we know we’ve got to keep on delivering.”
The hierarchy must also continue to say no when the big clubs come knocking on the door for Everton’s galaxy of talent. Last summer a succession of huge bids from Chelsea for Stones were rebuffed.
With the January window just around the corner Goodison is certain once again to be back on the radar for the bounty hunters.
“It was a tough summer for such a young lad (Stones). I am sure it was all new to him.” Coleman stated.
“His team-mates stuck by him. He’s a great lad and I think the fans understood what he was going through. For someone so young it was so tough with everything that was going on.
“I thought the way he has handled himself has been brilliant. His game hasn’t changed, he hasn’t changed. He has given his all for Everton.”
Coleman himself was linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United. He said: “It’s the world we live in, twitter and everything. You can pretend you don’t see it (the speculation) but you do see it.
“You’ve just got to get on with the job at hand, try and put it to the back of your mind. There’s nothing you can do about the speculation.”
Now it’s about to rear its head again. “That’s the world we live in, the press, the TV they love the transfer window.
“On transfer deadline day I sit watching it all with a cup of tea. It’s all part of football. It’s exciting and it’s why everyone loves the game.” he admitted.
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| Everton will be hoping to keep hold of former Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu |
Right now the neutrals have taken a shine to Roberto Martinez’s expansive side with former Barcelona winger Deulofeu now in his second spell at the club producing the goods, not to mention a dazzling array of step overs.
Coleman said: “Gerry has come back a lot better player than he was and he has added so much more to his game. He is much more of a team player and he is a great lad to have around the place.
“Luckily Gerry is on the other side to me at training. I remember when Cristiano Ronaldo broke on the scene first at Manchester United and he was known for his step-overs.
“The goal he set up at Middlesbrough the other night was similar with the step overs and then a great final ball. I was asking Romelu Lukaku earlier how many goals Gerry has set up for him and he said seven, so I’m sure Rom is looking forward to playing with him for the rest of the season.
“But what I like about these young lads is that there are no egos. They are all great lads.”
It’s an enjoyable time right now for the man from Killybegs, Donegal.
“My first child is due at the end of January. We’re looking forward to it. It’s exciting times. I’ve been told already my life is about to change, my afternoon naps might not be as frequent as usual.”he admitted.
Then there’s the fact that the Republic of Ireland have joined England, Wales and Northern Ireland in next summer’s European Championship finals.
Coleman would love his country to find themselves in the same group as England in France.
“I’d take England, yeah I don’t mind.” he insisted. “We’ve played them twice in the last couple of years and drawn with them twice.
“The manager (Martin O’Neill) has had a big effect on us. He’s a great motivator and obviously there’s Roy Keane as well. Since he has come in he’s been great. I think when he first came in everyone was a bit on edge as you would be with Roy Keane.
“Growing up Roy was a hero, and idol of mine and just to be learning from him and getting advice from him is great.”
Maybe asking for tips on changing nappies could be a step too far…
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