Donegal soccer star Seamus Coleman has said he was proud to captain his country – even if it was only for a few minutes.
The Everton man finished last night’s friendly game with Wales with the armband.
But the Killybegs man said his only mission now is to help Ireland get three points against Sweden in the World Cup qualifiers next month.
“I’m very proud to get the armband but it was passed around a few times beforehand. As a kid, you always want to get the chance to do it.
“Whether it’s a friendly or not, it’s an amazing experience and I really enjoyed it,” said Seamus.
Coleman is constantly being linked with a move to Man Utd since his former Everton boss David Moyes became number one at Old Trafford.
But he said his only thoughts now are about helping Ireland get to Brazil for the World Cup finals.
“But those games next month will definitely be the most important that I will have played in ever.
“It’s going to tell the tale whether we go to the World Cup or not.
“We have to beat Sweden and then build towards the Austria game. And I think tonight was a positive result for the defenders, keeping clean-sheets will always mean we are confident going into games and that’s what just what we needed.”
Three days before the Premier League season kicks-off, Everton man Coleman admits he was just happy to get a good workout under his belt. And, most importantly, come through it unscathed.
“I think for the players the most important thing was to just get through tonight,” he said. “It’s the start of the season and the biggest thing was not to get any injuries.”