Seamus Coleman has vowed to realise his childhood dream in Poland next summer – if he can convince Giovanni Trapattoni to take him on the European Championship adventure.
The Everton defender is one of the players fighting to make Trap’s final 23 man squad for the Group C encounters with Croatia, Spain and Italy.
Earmarked as one for the future by the Ireland boss, Coleman has been a non-playing member of Trapattoni’s extended squads of late.
The Donegal born youngster knows he has to find favour with his international manager before the Euro 2012 squads are named next May.
And the former Sligo Rovers right-back knows exactly how to gatecrash the Poznan party.
“The only thing to do now is to play well for your club week in and week out between now and the end of the season and show the manager what you can do,” said the Goodison Park favourite.
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“I am not alone in that. The big aim for every Irish player next year will be the European Championships and everyone will be working towards that for the rest of the season.
“As a kid I always wanted to play in the European Championships and the World Cup for Ireland and this could be my chance now.
“To make that happen I have got to work as hard as possible at club level, my form with Everton has to be good enough to work my way in.
“It is not going to be easy but once I put the work in with my club then I can only wait and see what the manager decides.
“I want to go to Poland and I want to prove that with Everton between now and May.”
Currently playing as a right-sided midfielder with the Toffees, the 23-year-old Coleman hopes his versatility will help make Trapattoni’s mind up.
“It’s the old saying but I am happy to play anywhere for my club or country,” said the Killybegs native.
“I’m of the opinion that you never stop learning in this game and if David Moyes wants me to play on the right of his midfield then that’s where I will play.
“I am lucky to be here and I know that. I go into training every day with a smile on my face and that will always be my attitude.
“I am working with some great coaches at Everton who can only make me a better player and that can only help me to become a regular in the Irish squad which is my big goal.”
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