Everton manager: Blues family will help Seamus through this horror leg break

Koeman said: “I haven’t been able to speak to Seamus as yet and I hope to do so this afternoon, but he will be aware that the thoughts of his teammates, the coaching staff, everyone at the Club and all Evertonians are with him at this time.

“No-one ever wishes to see something like this happen to any player, much less one of our own.

“The medical staff here at Everton are in contact with the medical staff of the Republic of Ireland and we will continue to liaise closely.

“Seamus will face a lengthy recovery period and we will support him throughout this.

“He is a really strong character and he has a great family around him and we, his extended family at Everton, will be here for him to help him get through this over the coming days, weeks and months.”

Former Everton team colleague Leon Osman said: “I’m absolutely gutted for him. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.

“Knowing him, though, he’ll come back better, fitter and stronger. That’s the type of character he is.

“He was playing for Sligo Rovers in the Irish league when he was 20 so he’s got a real appreciation for the game. He’s a real nice, genuine lad – he doesn’t carry any of the arrogance a lot of footballers have.

“I’ve got all the time in the world for him. He’s one of the genuine nice guys in football. It’s upsetting it’s happened to any player, never mind such a top guy in Seamus.

“Seamus is the type of guy who will be devastated but he’ll work his socks off to get back as quick as he can.

“Watching the game, the moment it happened, Evertonians were devastated to lose such an influential character – he’s a future captain of Everton Football Club. It’s a big loss and everyone felt it.

“Everyone loves Seamus and will be desperate to get him back as quickly as he possibly can.”