Seamus Coleman continues to earn plaudits

Jimmy Armfield has tipped Everton's Seamus Coleman for a bright future in the game.

Killybegs born Coleman has pushed himself into regular first team contention at Goodison Park, scoring his first goal for the Club in the Carling Cup tie at Brentford last week and earning a first Premier League start at Fulham on Saturday.

Armfield, is often credited with being the first truly attacking full-back in English football and as paving the way for players like Coleman.

The Ireland U21 international spent the latter part of last season on loan at Blackpool, a club where Armfield holds hero status having spent his entire career at Bloomfield Road – a ground where a stand is now named after him.

And the former England man says he was extremely impressed with the youngster, particularly his attitude and temperament.

“Seamus did really well for Blackpool and I think going there was really good for him,” Armfield told evertonfc.com.

“He was a real favourite at the club, the fans loved him and I think they would have signed him had they had the chance but obviously David Moyes wouldn’t want to lose a talented lad like that.

“He is very adventurous, a very progressive player and I thought when he came on against Manchester United the other week the game changed a bit.

“He has a good engine and also a very good temperament. He had a good trip at Blackpool, he went to Wembley and was part of winning promotion and it was all good experience for him.”

Armfield feels the role of the full of the full-back has changed considerably in the modern game and that Coleman’s attacking intent is emblematic of a shift in emphasis.

In fact such is Coleman’s aptitude for the attacking side of the game, the Irishman was handed a start on the right of midfield at Craven Cottage.

“I think first job for a full-back is to defend but if you can attack and impose yourself going forward then that is a real asset,” Armfield continued. “I always thought that was a big part of the job. People say I was the first attacking full-back and I always wanted to impose myself on the opposition.

“I think the job of the full-back has changed and that full-backs are generally more attacking now. Players go on, they link-up down the flank and they go on again and break into the box – Ashley Cole is probably the best at it and look how important he is to Chelsea.

“Seamus has the talent and seems physically and mentally right which is very positive, but he is no age and his time will come.”