Coleman in 'hybrid role' with Republic of Ireland

What the report says

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has said Seamus Coleman will have a “hybrid role” during this month’s Nations League camp, training with the squad while also helping the coaching staff in a leadership capacity. The BBC Sport report says Coleman, 38, has been without a club since leaving Everton in the summer and has not played since June, although Hallgrimsson described it as tempting to include him in the match squad against Austria and Kosovo.

Hallgrimsson said the arrangement is intended to keep Coleman involved and encourage him to resume playing, noting that the defender has indicated he wants to start again. Coleman, who has earned 81 caps, has recently spoken about the possibility of retirement, but the manager suggested the veteran still has value for the national team even after a long spell out.

The squad for the final two League B3 fixtures also includes captain Nathan Collins after injury, while goalkeeper Mark Travers comes in for the sidelined Gavin Bazunu. Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen and Jaden Umeh remain unavailable through injury. Ireland travel to Austria before hosting Kosovo at the Aviva Stadium, with Hallgrimsson’s team third in the group and having won one of their last four matches.