Everton

Allardyce set for Everton headache

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Sam Allardyce is set to have a massive headache at Everton over the return of Seamus Coleman, due to Jonjoe Kenny’s impressive performances this season.

The Toffees boss was quoted by Sky Sports on Tuesday as saying that Coleman had returned to training after spending 10 months out injured with a broken leg.

The 29-year-old’s return wasn’t given a specific date but with him now able to train; it won’t be long until he’s available for selection.

While it’s amazing news that the right-back is nearing a return, the positive update will actually cause Allardyce to make a huge decision.

After being the side’s clear first-choice last season, the emergence of Kenny in his absence, makes you question whether Coleman is still the number one right-back at the club.

This season, 20-year-old Kenny has featured 23 times and even managed to put in impressive performances when his side were struggling at the start of their campaign.

Kenny has improved game to game and it looks like regular football was what he needed in order to fulfill his potential.

For this reason, Allardyce has been handed a positive selection issue by the youngster as the manager will no doubt be keen to keep seeing him improve.

Coleman would bring experience and a proven quality to the team upon his return, but is it worth it at the expense of Kenny’s development?

The 20-year-old is clearly going to be the long-term option for the club with Coleman now 29-years-old, and if they get him ready as soon as possible then it’s better for the team.

A regular consistent defence is key in order to build partnerships and understanding between players at the back.

So if Kenny was able to start being a permanent fixture in the side now, he could keep that position until at least 2020, when his contract runs out.

Coleman may have been a loyal servant over the years, making over 200 appearances for the Toffees, but through no fault of his own, the torch has been passed.

If the Republic of Ireland international is happy not to be a guaranteed starter, then Allardyce’s problems aren’t so bad, but that’s doubtful.

Every professional footballer should want to play, with Coleman being no different, and this means no longer being first choice may cause him to leave the club.

It would be a bold decision to take but perhaps the right one with the future of the club in mind.

Allardyce certainly has a lot of factors to consider over the positive news, but one thing is for certain, Coleman’s return is inevitability going to cause him a headache.

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