Marco Silva says Seamus Coleman's fine form was a key factor in Everton's encouraging end to the 2018-19 campaign.
Coleman is with Republic of Ireland preparing for crucial European Championship qualifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar next month.
The 30-year-old, who captains his country, scored Goodison Park’s final goal of last season when he nodded home after fellow full-back Lucas Digne’s shot was saved by Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Manager Silva oversaw six victories and three draws in Everton's final 11 games – that period starting with a 3-0 success at Cardiff City which coincided with Coleman returning to the team following two matches on the bench.
Asked about Coleman's importance in the final weeks of the campaign, Silva told evertontv: “All the team reacted really well, Seamus also after coming back in to the team.
“We showed the strong mentality and personality we needed in that moment to react and change things – to change the details making the difference against us and show our form.
“We did that as a team and each player did, too. Seamus showed those qualities to bring his form to the team and help us.
“Seamus showed that in the games before the end of the season.”
Coleman is poised to start his 50th international game when the Republic’s bid to qualify for next year’s European finals shifts up a gear in Denmark on June 7.
Mick McCarthy’s side began their campaign with single-goal victories over Gibraltar and Georgia – with the Dublin return against Gibraltar set for June 10.
And in Coleman, Irish boss McCarthy can bank on having a skipper high on confidence for two crunch fixtures.
The Everton defender, who has completed 10 full seasons at Goodison, was a key player in victories over Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United as Silva’s side won its final four home games of the season.
He assisted a strike for Gylfi Sigurdsson at Cardiff and in an exhilarating team performance against West Ham United laid on the Blues' second goal for Bernard.
A minor groin problem forced Coleman out of Everton's final-day draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
But Silva had long since seen enough to know the defender – in common with Digne – was a neat fit for his expansive football model.
“Coleman and Lucas are both strong when they support our attack line,” added Silva.
“They enjoy those moments when they can go forward.
