Coleman in 'hybrid role' with Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said it was "tempting" to include Seamus Coleman in his squad for this month's Nations League matches against Austria and Kosovo despite the defender having not played since June.

Coleman, who has been without a club since leaving Everton in the summer, will instead have what Hallgrimsson called a "hybrid role" in the squad, training with the players but having a "leadership role" alongside the coaching staff.

The 38-year-old has said in recent weeks that he is contemplating retirement but Hallgrimsson said the defender, who has 81 caps, has expressed a desire to "start playing again."