Nathan Collins: Séamus Coleman’s Support Key for Ireland’s World Cup Play-Off Bid
The weight of captaincy, even in the exhilarating pursuit of World Cup qualification, can be considerable. For Nathan Collins, the young leader of the Republic of Ireland, that burden is lightened by the presence and guidance of Séamus Coleman, a veteran whose influence extends far beyond the pitch.
As Ireland prepares for a crucial play-off semi-final against Czechia in Prague on Thursday, , Collins acknowledges the pivotal role Coleman has played in his development as a captain and a player. The Boys in Green are chasing a spot in the World Cup, and Coleman’s return to the squad has coincided with a surge in belief and momentum.
Coleman’s fitness battle to rejoin the team, after missing the opening qualifiers last September, proved vital. His presence in the final four group games helped propel Ireland to a play-off berth, culminating in a dramatic qualification secured in Budapest. His impact wasn’t merely statistical; it was felt in the renewed confidence he instilled in the back line, particularly in Collins.
“It probably helped me,” Collins admitted at FAI HQ. “The way Séamus is as a character, as a person, his effect he has on the squad here is huge. I think he brought a lot of belief into the squad, even into myself as well, as sometimes obviously we were down.”
Collins emphasized how Coleman has proactively taken on responsibilities, allowing him to focus on his own game and settle into the captain’s role. “He’s supported me a lot. He’s taken over a lot of roles which can help me focus on my game. He’s kind of let me settle into this role a bit better. So he’s helped me a lot and to have someone in the squad like him is crucial for where we want to be.”
Coleman, alongside Robbie Brady, represents the experience of Ireland’s last tournament appearance at Euro 2016. For many of the younger players, Thursday’s match in Prague represents the biggest game of their careers to date. Collins readily acknowledges the magnitude of the occasion.
“It’s definitely up there,” Collins said. “I’m just excited, it’s why you play football. It’s why you want to represent Ireland, it’s why you have those dreams of doing stuff, for games like this. I’m just excited, I’m looking forward to it and I can’t wait for it.”
The timing of this crucial match coincides with Collins regaining his form for Brentford after a challenging February. A “terrible knock” initially sidelined him, leading to a period on the bench under manager Keith Andrews. He was benched for fixtures against Newcastle, Arsenal and Burnley before returning to the starting line-up in their last three league outings.
Collins candidly discussed the mental challenges of being benched, particularly as a club captain. “It’s a tough thing mentally and it’s challenging. But especially when you’re now club captain and you’re in that position. It’s a different role and you have to find that balance of being frustrated and being annoyed, but similarly still being a club captain, still pushing the team and wanting the best for everyone around you. It was a modern challenge for me and I’ve learned a lot from it.”
Ironically, the break from consistent Premier League action proved beneficial. “In a weird way, it was nearly refreshing,” Collins explained. “I played a lot of football over the last two years, and then when it was taken away from you, you have that hunger again. The reason you go to England as a kid and the reason you do all this is to play football, be on the pitch. So it gave me a bit of hunger again. I was desperate to get back in the squad.”
He feels rejuvenated and focused, eager to translate that energy to the international stage. “I feel like I’m in a good place and I’m excited now to bring that over here and what we’re aspiring to do as Ireland and what we want to qualify for and try to bring it all together.”
A lighthearted element to the week has been the banter with the Danish players at Brentford, given the potential for a showdown with Denmark in the play-off final should both teams advance. However, Collins remains firmly focused on the immediate task at hand – overcoming Czechia.
“I think there is a belief. I think there is a strong motivation and an excitement. We all realise we can do something. I don’t think anyone thinks we are already there. If we can carry what we’ve done since those games we’ve a a really good chance to do something.”
The match against Czechia will be broadcast on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, beginning at on Thursday, . Live coverage will also be available on RTÉ.ie/sport, the RTÉ News app, and RTÉ Radio 1.