Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has urged Seamus Coleman to extend his international career beyond the 79-cap defender's emotional appearance in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against North Macedonia. The 37-year-old Everton fullback played the full match despite limited Premier League minutes this season, prompting speculation that Dublin might have been his final international outing.

Coleman received a standing ovation when substituted, with his children serving as mascots before the match in Dublin. Hallgrimsson explicitly dismissed suggestions of Coleman joining the coaching staff, instead pushing for the veteran to remain on the pitch for Euro 2028, which Ireland will co-host. "We hope he will stay on and play with us next season," the manager stated firmly.

The Irish squad faced a challenging week following their heartbreaking World Cup play-off defeat to Czech Republic. Hallgrimsson acknowledged the difficult morale during training but praised his team's character for quickly regrouping. After giving players a day off to process the defeat, he witnessed their energy return, culminating in a spirited performance against North Macedonia in front of 39,000 fans.