We'll be fired up to win Merseyside derby for Coleman, says Everton's Jagielka

28 March 2017 10:55

Everton captain Phil Jagielka believes the horrific injury sustained by Seamus Coleman provides additional motivation for his team-mates heading into this weekend's Merseyside derby.

The popular Republic of Ireland defender is facing months out after undergoing an operation on a broken tibia and fibula following a tackle by Wales' Neil Taylor in Friday's World Cup qualifier.

Jagielka hopes he and his team-mates will all be able to speak to the 28-year-old prior to Saturday's trip to Anfield - where they are looking to end a win-less run stretching back to 1999 - for extra incentive.

"There are two massive games coming up and that's one thing Seamus will want us to do, to play well and get some good results," said Jagielka, who knows it is a pivotal week in their season with Manchester United at Old Trafford coming three days after the clash against their near neighbours.

"We'll all be thinking about him and, come Saturday and Tuesday, I'm sure he'll have the TV on and be cheering us on.

"There'll be no incentive needed, but the circumstances over the last few days might add a bit of a motivational edge on our behalf.

"We want to go out there and play well and it will be nice if we can all get to speak to Seamus beforehand."

Coleman started 26 of Everton's 29 Premier League matches this season and had been enjoying a decent season, scoring four times and providing numerous assists.

The right-back is part of a hugely-experienced back four and Jagielka admits his leadership will be missed.

"Seamus is a massive part of the furniture. He's been here a long time now, he's one of the leaders," he told everton.tv.

"All we can do is be there for him. He's had the operation, it's been a success and he's on the slow road to recovery.

"As a club, a family, we have wished him a speedy recovery and we will be with him every step of the way. He's a great lad and hopefully we can get him smiling around the club as soon as possible.

"He'll be down at the moment because it's not long since it happened.

"His friends and family away from football will help him through these initial stages.

"When he is able to do things it's up to us as a club - the players, physios, coaches.

"I'm sure we'll be able to get him to where he needs to get to.

"Hopefully it is as quick as possible, but the main thing is that he gets back to the levels he's been showing, not just this season."

In Coleman's absence manager Ronald Koeman has a couple of options at his disposal as he could play Mason Holgate as a straight replacement or switch to a back three to be able to play someone slightly more attacking in the wide-right role.

Source: PA