313 days later, Seamus Coleman made his return to competitive football on Wednesday night.
It came as a surprise to many when the Killybegs man was named on the Toffees’ team to take on Leicester City, given that he had only played 45 minutes of football for the under-23s last week.
But Coleman is a tough nut, and manager Sam Allardyce and the Everton medical team were obviously confident enough that the right back was fully fit to take part in this one.
🎥 | Seamus Coleman arrives at Goodison Park. He starts against @LCFC tonight. Up the Toffees! #WelcomeBackSeamus pic.twitter.com/p1eIoJSVQq
— Everton (@Everton) January 31, 2018
They had no need to worry as the Donegal man seamlessly slotted back into the thick of Premier League football.
With every single seat in Goodison Park decked with Coleman flags, the Republic of Ireland captain’s every touch was greeted with cheers and chants of his name.
Welcome Back Seamus…
Just arrived at Goodison Park for @BBCMOTD. They have placed these flags on thousands of seats to welcome back @seamiecoleman23. #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/rh0S1ahvoA
— Conor McNamara (@ConorMcNamaraIE) January 31, 2018
They love him just as much as we do over in Merseyside.
Great to see Seamus Coleman back on the pitch tonight for @Everton
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) January 31, 2018
In true Seamus Coleman style, the 29-year-old made the right hand side of the field his own. Defending resolutely and galloping forward at any opportunity that came his way.
He was one of Everton’s best players on the night, and helped them to a 2-1 victory over Leicester. Theo Walcott scored both goals for the home side.
Courage. Passion. Strength. You name it, this guy has it and it seemed like the whole world was cheering him on.
Seamus Coleman is Everton the lad is a absolute credit to the club and fans and definitely a future captain
— Jack (@Jackg1878) January 31, 2018
👏 | Seamus Colemans beats his chest and salutes the Gwladys Street before leaving the pitch. What a performance on his return!#WelcomeBackSeamus 💙 pic.twitter.com/PTCU8Dw2Rz
— Everton (@Everton) January 31, 2018
Seamus Coleman is a MACHINE! Wow!! 🇮🇪
— James Brown 📷 (@thephotojim) January 31, 2018
Seamus Coleman you will forever be my hero
— Patrick Hurst (@Multi_Hurst) January 31, 2018
Just an amazing performance by Seamus Coleman. To deliver that quality after his first game back after a totally shattered leg. I even mistakenly called him "Shamen" at one point. #EFC
— John Merro (@johnmerro1) January 31, 2018
