Seamus Coleman is continuing his rehabilitation from a double leg break he suffered against Wales.
The Republic of Ireland captain and Everton defender is unlikely to play again until the final months of 2017, missing out on the conclusion of Ireland's World Cup qualification campaign.
Martin O'Neill's side play three games next month, including a crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria in Dublin. Coleman wont be able to play, but O'Neill has revealed he hopes the Donegal defender will join the squad in Dublin for the crucial match.
"He is really up for [joining up with the squad next month] and he is going to come over and join us for a few days before the Austria game, which would be a massive lift for the players", he told 2fm.
"He is a top class captain. He's a different character. You're talking to him around the hotel for a couple of days, he’s self-effacing. Then he goes into the dressing room - different, different character completely."
Although Coleman is continuing his rehabilitation with Everton, he doesn't think there will be any issues from Ronald Koeman about the Donegal defender joining the squad.
"I think Seamus can divide the two up. Obviously, his bread and butter as they say is club football. That’s where he earns his living."
"But Seamus has obviously got great pride in wearing the shirt for Ireland. I think he thinks when he is over here in Ireland he thinks 'this is it'. He has total concentration on that and when he goes back there, it’s club football."
"I think he feels 'let the two of them argue. I’ll just stay out of it'."
Ireland play Austria on June 11th and Coleman will be one of the most vociferous fans in attendance. It could be a massive boost for the squad.
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