‘It’s always tough to leave Séamus out’ – Heimir Hallgrimsson explains Coleman exclusion from Ireland squad

Heimir Hallgrimsson at the Republic of Ireland squad announcement at Sky HQ in Dublin. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrimsson feels it would have set the wrong example to select Séamus Coleman for next month’s huge World Cup qualifiers given the Everton captain’s lack of minutes, but the Ireland boss has left the door open to the defender possibly returning in October.

Despite being fit, the 73-times capped defender was left out of Hallgrimsson’s 23-man squad for next month’s double-header against Hungary and Armenia, having missed the last camp with injury.

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