Seamus Coleman knows that Nathan Collins' grand entrance on the international stage could be a double-edged sword for his own longevity.
But the Ireland skipper has vowed to meet the challenge head on as he fights for his place in Stephen Kenny’s starting team.
Collins, who made his debut against Qatar last October, was outstanding in all four of Ireland’s Nations League games in June and scored a sensational goal away to Ukraine in Poland.
READ MORE: Nathan Collins compared to Virgil Van Dijk by fans after impressive performance against Fulham
But his summertime headline grabbing antice were only starting as he then became the most expensive Irish player of all time after joining Wolves for €24 million from Burnley.
Coleman, on the other hand, limped out of the dismal defeat in Armenia and missed the next three games because of the groin injury that has since required surgery.
And after watching Collins excel in a back three for Kenny, Coleman had the added misfortune of missing Everton’s entire pre-season.
He then sat out the opening day defeat to Chelsea, but was on the bench in last weekend’s loss to Aston Villa and hopes to have a part to play against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Coleman might be Kenny’s captain, but the Ireland boss has shown how ruthless he can be by dropping players who are not featuring for their clubs. Jamie McGrath knows the score.
The fact that Coleman’s predicament is injury related, buys him time but Collins is the golden boy and a strong start to the season will see the veteran under pressure for the Nations League.
With the trip to Scotland looming next month, Collins looks nailed on to start in a back three where John Egan and Shane Duffy - now on loan at Fulham - are pushing hard for selection.
So, too, are Dara O’Shea, Darragh Lenihan and a fit-again Andrew Omobamidele so Coleman - used more in a back three for Ireland with Matt Doherty at wing-back - knows a swift return to club action is vital.
“Listen, that’s part and parcel of the game,” said the 33-year-old yesterday when quizzed about the direct threat that Collins poses on the right side of Ireland’s back three.
“I’ve been hearing about competition for the last eight ot ten years. That’s what it is at this level, there’s no given, there’s no expecting to play. It’s about earning your right to play.
“If anyone is guaranteed a place it’s not good for the overall picture so the more good players we have the better for Everton and Ireland.
“And at the moment with Ireland, there are a lot of good lads coming through.”
Coleman continued: “No matter if I bigged Nathan up no end, I don’t think it would affect him in any way. He’s very level-headed, very focused, very modest and a very good player.
“You could see it early doors as well, the first couple of training sessions. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but I think he can have a very good future in the game.
“He’s got a lot of attributes - very good on the ball, very humble and hard-working which is massive too, along with ability.
“Fingers crossed he can go on and play for Ireland for the next 10 to 12 years and have a great Premier League career, which I’m sure he will.”
Coleman’s immediate focus is on reclaiming a place in the Everton team and pulling out the stops to ensure they don’t get dragged into another relegation battle.
Frank Lampard succeeded sacked Rafa Benitez in February but the Toffees only dodged the bullet with a game to spare after a thrilling 3-2, come-from-behind win over Crystal Palace.
And while there were scenes of tremendous celebration at Goodison Park that night, Coleman insists it was nothing to be proud of.
“I never once said 'celebration’ in interviews,” he said yesterday.
“It might look like a celebration but it was a relief. Relief because a Premier League club at this level shouldn't be in that situation.
“A lot of people, players included, have to ask why we got ourselves into that situation. We have to make sure it never happens again.
“Not once when I was at home in Killybegs in the summer was I thinking that something had been achieved.
“It was a relief, massive relief, as it was a tough year to say the least but we got through it and lessons have to be learned.”
It is early days, but crisis-hit Manchester United, West Ham and Everton are the only clubs with no points to show from two games.
And there is no doubt that is why Coleman is reluctant to make bold predictions about Everton’s season ahead.
“When I came here 10 years ago there would definitely be games you would look at and think you had a really good chance of getting three points from,” he added.
“The Premier League has got so competitive and every game is a battle to get three points, so you have to respect the league you’re in.
“But I’m not getting any younger but I still have that massive drive, massive love and massive determination to play games at this level.”
