Not for the first time, Eamon Dunphy and Roy Keane find themselves at odds on a subject.
Keane made no secret of the fact that he believes new Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has what it takes to lead the national team following the retirement of Robbie Keane last week.
The Cork man claimed that Coleman reminded him of Denis Irwin in some ways, particularly in the ability of both men to get the best out of teammates while not being the loudest men on the pitch.
Roy Keane bestows ultimate compliment for an Irish full back on Seamus Coleman https://t.co/8YJuiyf3A8
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 5, 2016
But now that the captain’s armband is firmly wrapped around the biceps of Coleman, RTÉ pundit Dunphy is not so confident in his suitability as Irish skipper.
Ahead of Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia, Dunphy poured doubt on the Everton right back’s leadership qualities.
“I’m not sure about it,” Dunphy said. “He had a very poor European Championships, and he had a bad season with Everton last year.
“He hasn’t looked comfortable with the responsibility of it. Some guys feel it. They’re natural leaders, but I don’t think he’s a natural leader.
“He’s a terrific person and everybody admires his attitude to the game but I’m not sure on the evidence of the Euros that he’s comfortable with it, and if that’s the case it’s a problem.”
It’s safe to say that his opinion was not echoed by Irish football fans who demanded that Donegal’s Coleman be given a chance before he is judged so harshly.
https://twitter.com/Gav0014/status/772860849514024960
https://twitter.com/Gerry_Brennan/status/772860916165672960
https://twitter.com/HirkMooncat/status/772860949862707200
Eamon Dunphy going through the team sheet before deciding to have a go at 'weak link' Seamus Coleman. #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/OnhzOFhWVX
— Barry Moran (@BarryM85) September 5, 2016
Eamon Dunphy saying Seamus Coleman had a bad Euros and isn't captain material, such shite
— ruud gullit sitting on a shed (@Mmmmichaellllll) September 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/BarryLandyDITB/status/772861761737388032
Brady and Dunphy talking through their hoops about Coleman. Was better in Euros when he took over captaincy.
— Michael McCarthy (@McCarthyMick) September 5, 2016
Dunphy criticising Coleman as captain already, give the man a chance! #fool #dunphy #justcosheaintaDub
— Michael Byrne (@beckenbyrne) September 5, 2016
Did I hear that correctly? Eamonn Dunphy just said Seamus Coleman had a really poor Euro 2016 and not suitable for captaincy role.
— Eric White (@ericwhite80) September 5, 2016
The GAA Hour Hurling Show relives Tipperary’s sensational All-Ireland victory with Paidí Maher. Listen below or Subscribe here on iTunes.
