Seamus Coleman stretchered off during Wales World Cup qualifier
DONEGAL’S Seamus Coleman is recovering in hospital after suffering a horror leg break after a heavy tackle from Neil Taylor during the Republic’s 0-0 draw against Wales on Friday night.
He now faces at least six months on the sidelines trying to recover from the injury.
The Everton right-back looked in real distress, with physios attempting to hold his lower-right leg in place, as he was moved onto a stretcher and rushed off the field in the 68th minute.
Wales left-back Taylor was shown a straight red card for the tackle and Ireland boss Martin O’Neill had his head in his hands as his skipper received oxygen and was sent straight to hospital.
O’Neill said after the game: “It’s a bad break. Seamus is a fantastic player and character – it’s a major blow for the lad, for his club and for us.
“Apparently it wasn’t the best challenge in the world – I haven’t seen it back – but naturally disappointed. He’s gone to hospital and I think it’s broken.
“I saw Seamus’ reaction – he was holding his leg up and it didn’t look good.
“He is a great player. He is having the season of a lifetime with Everton and with us.”
Wales boss Chris Coleman said: “First and foremost I think the most important thing is Seamus Coleman. We’re told that it’s not so good, which we are sorry for.
“Neil Taylor is not really that type of player but, if he’s got it wrong… I’ve not seen it again. He’s in the dressing room and he’s quiet and despondent.
“It’s a tough one for Seamus. Thoughts are with him first and foremost. We hope and pray it’s not such a bad one.”
Wales’ Gareth Bale said: “We never wish that on any fellow professional.
“Obviously we don’t know how bad it is but we wish him a speedy recovery.”
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