Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has vowed to avenge the nation’s shock 1-0 World Cup Qualifier defeat against Luxembourg by defeating the Western European duchy at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.
Irlande scored nil points at the Aviva Stadium last night as Stephen Kenny’s side continued their perfect start to avoiding the 2022 World Cup. Everton skipper Coleman insists the embarrassing result need not be in vain if the Boys in Green can out-sing Luxembourg at May’s Eurovision.
“We need to put this result behind us and concentrate on Jedward,” the 32-year-old told Paddy Power News.
Obviously, there’ll be a bit of tactical voting from the likes of Belgium and Norway, but we’re confident we can get those points on the board.
The full-back was full of praise for the Dublin-born brothers and is not-so-quietly confident they’ll perform on the night.
“All the lads have been really impressed with John and Edward’s attitude in vocal training. They absolutely relish the big stage and we’re certain their rendition of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids’ will bamboozle the opposition.
Coleman admitted defeat against a bunch of civil servants and investment bankers was hard to take but has appealed for calm among Irish supporters.
We scored two goals against Serbia, what more do people want?
“Next thing you know, they’ll be expecting a draw – or worse (laughs) a win”.
Meanwhile, music mogul Louis Walsh believes Jedward can end 25 years of Irish hurt at Eurovision.
“It’s coming home”, said Louis, before immediately glancing to his left for Simon Cowell’s approval.
“It’s a tough group with those Swiss yodellers and that Armenian synth act. But, if the boys put in the type of performance I know they’re capable of I’m sure we’ll be grand”.
The 68-year-old former X-Factor judge also reserved praise for Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny saying he knows a winner when he sees one. He said: “He looks like a football manager, he sounds like a football manager.
“He’s probably most talented man I’ve encountered since Wagner”.
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