Source: PA
Round: Coleman can follow Baines
Everton assistant manager Steve Round believes if Seamus Coleman follows the example set by Leighton Baines he will establish himself as a first-team regular in defence.
The 22-year-old has been switched between right-back and midfield this season and has been on the bench for the last two matches. Round appreciates being asked to perform a different role has meant Coleman focusing on his midfield duties but still sees the player as a defender and thinks he can learn a lot from Baines, who has been one of the best left-backs in the Barclays Premier League this season.
"Leighton is a good role model for Seamus and the challenge now is for him to try and emulate Leighton, to try to get those consistent performances and become a real regular in Everton's first team," said Round.
"So far we are all very pleased with him. We have changed his position a little bit and pushed him further forward to play right midfield and that has focused on his attacking play which at the moment is his strength.
"He still needs to build up his defensive qualities. We have seen him switch off a couple of times, a little bit of naivety, but all that will change and I think he will become a very talented right-back. If he continues to learn and develop at the rate he has done then I think we will have a terrific player on our hands.
"For the money we have spent, £50,000-£60,000 for a player who is going to be worth millions, it is great business for Everton."
