MARTIN O’NEILL ISSUED a positive update on Seamus Coleman today following his horrific leg break against Wales on in Friday night’s World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.

The Everton and Ireland defender was “in good spirits” when his manager visited him today, despite suffering an injury last week that means he is unlikely to return until 2018, having undergone successful surgery following this setback.

“Seamus is doing much better today,” O’Neill said following his side’s 1-0 friendly loss against Iceland. “I went to see him again. He’s in better spirits. It’s as much to do with (the fact that) he’s still got the family around — his brother, his wife, his mother and the youngster all keeping him pretty busy.

I think he’s doing much better now. It’s not something you’re going to get over in 24 hours, 36 hours. He’s in much better spirits. He’s getting out (of hospital) tomorrow I think. It’s encouraging to see. He’s very positive, which I knew he would be. It’s a tough injury. Could he get over it? If anybody can quickly, then Seamus can do that.”

Asked about the news that Coleman received a visit from Michael D Higgins today, O’Neill said: “It’s really good news. And so (the president) should… That’s a joke by the way.”

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