Andy Lyons has hailed Seamus Coleman as the ‘perfect role model’ as he follows in his footsteps at Blackpool.
But the new Seasiders recruit and former Shamrock Rovers star insists he has a long way to go before he can be put in the same bracket as the Ireland captain.
Lyons made an impressive debut in Saturday’s 4-1 FA Cup third round demolition of Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest.
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The wing-back capitalised on Callum Connolly’s suspension to make his breakthrough with the Championship club following his move from the League of Ireland champions.
And the 22-year-old has given manager Michael Appleton food for thought going into Saturday’s league game away to Watford.
Ireland and Everton ace Coleman enjoyed a productive loan spell at Blackpool during the second-half of the 2009/2010 season.
The switch came 14 months after his £60,000 move to the Toffees from Sligo Rovers and he played a significant part in Blackpool’s promotion to the Premier League.
Coleman made 12 appearances in total under Ian Holloway and played the full 90-minutes of their 3-2 playoff final win over Cardiff City at Wembley.
“It was an incredible spell,” Coleman said in 2020 when reflecting on that particular period of his career.
“I went back to Everton with a lot of confidence, knowing that I could play at that level and it really did help kick-start my career.”
Lyons - an Ireland U21 international - is refreshed and raring to go in England after a gruelling but successful season with Shamrock Rovers here and in Europe.
But after making his debut, he is eager to lay claim to a regular role in the team and - with Blackpool fans already drawing comparisons - will use Coleman as inspiration.
“Seamus is a perfect role model I think,” Lyons told ‘The Gazette’.
“Even when you look at the path he followed, he played in the League of Ireland like myself before coming over.
“I’ve even seen that he played for Blackpool at the same age as I am now, but I don’t read too much into that.
“But Seamus, as a player and a leader off the pitch, he’s been brilliant for our country and I think he really helps out, especially with the younger lads.
“Players I know that have gone up to the senior squad have found him to be really helpful.
“He’s really nice off the pitch and has made them feel welcome when they’ve come into camp.
“His quality speaks for itself as well, so he’s obviously someone I’d like to emulate.
“He’s had a brilliant career and it’s a similar path we’ve taken coming from the League of Ireland to England.”
Lyons added: “The lads here have been unbelievable with me and it was so easy to integrate myself in the squad.
“Going to Spain really helped that because I was probably going out of my comfort zone going straight in at the deep end and meeting all the lads.”
Lyons eased into his new surroundings on that warm-weather training camp during the World Cup break - and then gave fans a glimpse of his potential on Saturday.
Blackpool not only kept Forest at arm’s length but battered the top flight side, with Ireland international CJ Hamilton among the goal scorers.
Appleton was full of praise for Lyons and said: “I thought he was great. In terms of a debut he gave us everything you would want.
“He was positive with the ball, he was aggressive without the ball and I think he really enjoyed it.
“Whoever I go with (against Watford), I know I can look around to the bench and see players who can really make an effect on the game.”
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