Everton assistant boss Graeme Jones is eager to capitalise on Seamus Coleman’s attacking instincts.
Right-back Coleman managed 45 minutes of last Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Accrington Stanley despite only returning to pre-season training two days earlier.
Impressive enough, Jones was delighted by the Irishman’s application in a performance which confirmed all he’d believed from his previous studies of the former Sligo Rovers man.
“His movement is a bit of a lesson for all strikers because he loves to penetrate in behind the defence,” said Jones.
“Darron Gibson gets two seconds on the ball and Seamus is the first to move. So for a boy whose only had two training sessions in five weeks it’s refreshing and really good to see.
“We’re excited to work with him. He’s a naturally fit boy or he wouldn’t have had 45 minutes, so it bodes really well.”
Coleman marked his run out at the Store First Stadium by setting up a goal for Leon Osman as the Blues chalked up their first win of the pre-season campaign.
Last year’s player of the season Leighton Baines likewise managed the entire second half on the opposite wing and Jones expects the pair to be key offensive figures under new boss Roberto Martinez.
“We used to watch them when we were at our previous club and Seamus would cross while Leighton would be at the back post in the box,” he added.
“They’re like wing-backs anyway and if they can do that from a full-back role too then we’re in business.”