Robbie Keane has joined the rest of the football world in backing Séamus Coleman to recover from his double leg-break, but Coleman's predecessor as Ireland captain also had some pertinent advice for the Donegal man and indeed any athlete who has suffered a long-term injury.
Keane, who admitted he was lucky to have never suffered such a serious injury in his 20-year playing career to date, suggested the solitary nature of recovery was one of the most difficult aspects of Coleman's upcoming journey, and even went as far as to suggest that it's not good for the mental health of any athlete who's accustomed to working within a team structure.
Speaking at an Aer Lingus promotional event at Dublin Airport, Keane said:
I’ve been fortunate and not had too many bad injuries but even being out for six weeks is tough because you just want to go out and play.
You miss training. You miss being around the dressing room. The key thing when you’re injured is you’re always away from people. That’s the hardest part. As you get experienced and older, you realise that’s not good for you, so you try and go in at the same time as the players, do everything the exact same as you would do.
The important thing for him is to keep in the mix, like he’s still part of everything at Everton. And even if he got over to Ireland to be around the squad a little bit when games are on, mentally that will help.
Ireland's record goalscorer was present for Neil Taylor's horrific challenge which fractured Coleman's leg in two places, and revealed he messaged his former international teammate following the incident.
He’s going to be a big loss. I sent him a message wishing him the best. But if anyone can get back, it’s him. He is mentally tough, and there’s no question he has the right people around him that will help him.
[Irish Examiner]
