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Eamon Dunphy’s pre-match comments on Seamus Coleman were not echoed by supporters

Published 21:19 5 Sept 2016 BST

Darragh Murphy
Eamon Dunphy’s pre-match comments on Seamus Coleman were not echoed by supporters

Homesport

Not for the first time, Eamon Dunphy and Roy Keane find themselves at odds on a subject.

Keane made no secret of the fact that he believes new Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has what it takes to lead the national team following the retirement of Robbie Keane last week. The Cork man claimed that Coleman reminded him of Denis Irwin in some ways, particularly in the ability of both men to get the best out of teammates while not being the loudest men on the pitch. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/772882813238538240 But now that the captain's armband is firmly wrapped around the biceps of Coleman, RTÉ pundit Dunphy is not so confident in his suitability as Irish skipper. Ahead of Ireland's opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia, Dunphy poured doubt on the Everton right back's leadership qualities. “I’m not sure about it," Dunphy said. "He had a very poor European Championships, and he had a bad season with Everton last year. Eamon Dunphy “He hasn’t looked comfortable with the responsibility of it. Some guys feel it. They’re natural leaders, but I don’t think he’s a natural leader. “He’s a terrific person and everybody admires his attitude to the game but I’m not sure on the evidence of the Euros that he’s comfortable with it, and if that’s the case it’s a problem." It's safe to say that his opinion was not echoed by Irish football fans who demanded that Donegal's Coleman be given a chance before he is judged so harshly. https://twitter.com/Gav0014/status/772860849514024960 https://twitter.com/Gerry_Brennan/status/772860916165672960 https://twitter.com/HirkMooncat/status/772860949862707200 https://twitter.com/BarryM85/status/772861401253736448 https://twitter.com/Mmmmichaellllll/status/772861486288998404 https://twitter.com/BarryLandyDITB/status/772861761737388032 https://twitter.com/McCarthyMick/status/772861867526152192 https://twitter.com/beckenbyrne/status/772864821658279937 https://twitter.com/ericwhite80/status/772862339527872512 The GAA Hour Hurling Show relives Tipperary’s sensational All-Ireland victory with Paidí Maher. Listen below or Subscribe here on iTunes.
Eamon Dunphy's pre-match comments on Seamus Coleman were not echoed by supporters