coleman in trap boost

Aidan Fitzmaurice

SEAMUS COLEMAN has given Giovanni Trapattoni a boost ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers after the Donegal man made his return to the Everton side.

And there was more good news on the injury front for the Ireland boss as Marc Wilson finally appeared for Stoke City for the first time since he suffered a broken leg while in action against Sunderland four months ago.

INJURIES

With Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger still sidelined by long-term injuries – Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert admitted over the weekend that Dunne may not even play again this season, let alone regain his fitness in time for Ireland's trip to Sweden next month – and recent concerns over the fitness of defenders Paul McShane and Stephen Ward, the sight of Coleman and Wilson playing again was welcome for the Ireland boss.

Coleman had missed five games for his club, and was also forced to sit out Ireland's friendly with Poland with a hamstring injury, but he was fit enough to claim a place in the starting XI for Everton's league game against Norwich City on Saturday.

"I thought he did great. I'm glad to get him back because he is an important part of the team," said Toffees manager David Moyes.

Wilson, meanwhile, will need time to regain full fitness after being out for so long but the fact that boss Tony Pulis was happy to start the Co Antrim man against Fulham on Saturday is also a good sign.

"Marc looked a bit rusty but I was pleased to give him 90 minutes," said Pulis.

Trapattoni will be concerned at events at Molineux as Wolves went down 2-1 at home to Cardiff City, as Stephen Ward and Kevin Doyle both started the game on the bench, though Ireland U21 cap Matt Doherty was handed his first start of the season for Wolves.

Doyle did come on as a half-time sub but Ward, who has been battling with illness in the past week, did not appear.

Wolves are now third from bottom in the Championship table and without a win in 12 games.