SEAMUS COLEMAN reckons Everton’s FA Cup performance against Chelsea has given them confidence that they can triumph in the replay.
The Ireland international was instrumental in an impressive display, as David Moyes' side narrowly failed to beat Chelsea in their fourth round tie on Saturday.
Coleman, 22, went closest to giving the Blues a deserved lead in the game, and was equally effective helping Phil Neville curtail the threat of Ashely Cole’s forward surges.
But despite admitting he was disappointed with being forced to a replay, Coleman was confident Everton can win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1994.
He said: “There was only one team that looked like winning, we had countless chances and their keeper was on fire. We were disappointed not to get the win really. We’re still in with a shout now though which is the main thing.
“When they saw the draw they wouldn’t have been too happy either. We need to keep our heads up, push on and get them down there.
“We haven’t won down there for a while and that’s got to change. We’ve had a few draws with them at their place, and we’re not scared of them or anything. We respect them, but we’re more than capable of beating them."
Coleman has previously admitted that his first year at Goodison felt like an extended trial, but after signing a new four-and-a-half year contract two weeks ago and establishing himself as a first-team regular, he is finally feeling at home in the top flight.
He said: “I’m starting to feel more part of it now. I know that I can’t rest on my laurels though. Part of my game is my work-rate, that’s probably why the manager picks me a lot, and I’m just happy to be playing, impressing him and the fans.
“The fitness coaches are great with us, but I’ve always been a naturally fit lad. The work we do with the coaches and the facilities we have here makes you improve a lot. The fitness and hard work are part of my game. I might not have the technical ability of the likes of Mikel Arteta, but I’ll work my socks off.”
Coleman is a firm believer in the romance of the cup, and would love to be part of a successful run in the competition.
He said: “It was a crucial game. You always want to go on a good run. I hear all the lads talking about the 09 season and that sounded like a good buzz so I want to do the same.
“I used to watch any football that was on back home, but I always made sure I watched the FA Cup especially. The later stages were more exciting and it’d be nice to be part of that, to pus on and beat Chelsea.”
Everton are unlikely to do any business on the final day of the transfer window today, after sealing a £250,000 deal for promising 19-year-old Greek striker Apostolos Vellios on Friday.
Moyes will keep trawling the loan market until midnight nevertheless, but may well face fresh disappointment in his search for an experienced striker.
