Coleman not expecting Taylor backlash

Wales manager Chris Coleman doesn't expect there to be any residual ill-feeling around Ireland captain Seamus Coleman's injury when the countries meet in Monday's World Cup qualifier.

Coleman, 28, suffered a double leg fracture during the goalless draw between the sides in Dublin in March, after an over-the-top and reckless challenge by Wales' full-back Neil Taylor, and the Everton defender is not expected to return to action until 2018.

But Wales' boss Coleman says the two teams will be solely focused on the game, and does not expect there to be any needle between the Ireland players and Taylor.

Victory over Martin O'Neill's side at the Cardiff City Stadium will guarantee Wales second spot in Group D, and a place in November's play-offs.

A draw would be enough for Wales to secure a play-off spot if Ukraine and Croatia play out a lower-scoring draw in Kiev, and Coleman's side could even top the group and qualify automatically for Russia 2018 if they beat Ireland and group leaders Serbia fail to win against Georgia in Belgrade.

"I don't think it will have a bearing," Coleman said. 

"It will be similar with two sets of players locking horns, lots of contact, our players know that, theirs do. 

"It was a physical game, unfortunate with Seamus and a horrible situation for Seamus, but he's coming back and not far off. But for us it won't be a mention. I can't tell you about Ireland."

Ireland manager O'Neill says his players want to qualify for next summer's finals in Russia to give Coleman a boost during his rehabilitation from a double leg fracture.

"I don't know about talk of revenge, but certainly the view among the players is that if Russia is available to us then he would very much be in the forefront of our thoughts," the Derryman said.

"He has been a class player, a world-class player and he has been essential for us.

"We have missed him, but he is making a good recovery and it would be nice for him to be able to go there. 

"When he is fit, he will get back to his best form with club and country and it will be nice for him to have something to look forward to at international level."

Photo Getty Images/ Srdjan Stevanovic

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