Seamus Coleman to take on 'hybrid role' with Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has announced that veteran defender Seamus Coleman will join the national team camp for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Austria and Kosovo. Although the 38-year-old has been without a club since leaving Everton this summer and hasn't played since June, Hallgrimsson opted for a unique arrangement.

Coleman will operate in what the manager described as a "hybrid role." This involves participating in training sessions with the squad while simultaneously taking on a leadership and supportive position alongside the coaching staff. Hallgrimsson confirmed that the move is designed to encourage the 81-cap veteran to restart his playing career, noting that the player has expressed a clear desire to return to the pitch.

Coleman is going to be in a hybrid role this camp and he is going to do the sessions with the players but in a leadership role, in a supportive role with us as coaches. Heimir Hallgrimsson

The squad announcement also included the return of captain Nathan Collins, who missed the previous four matches due to a calf injury. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Travers has been called up as a replacement for Gavin Bazunu. Other key players, including Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, and Jaden Umah, remain unavailable due to injuries.

The Republic of Ireland side is currently sitting third in League B3 and will look to improve their form during the upcoming trip to Linz to face Austria, followed by a home game against Kosovo at the Aviva Stadium.