Seamus Coleman is refusing to compromise his all-or-nothing attitude as the seasoned right-back prepares to embark on a 14^th year as an Everton footballer.

The Club captain completed what history will surely record as one of the Premier League’s bargain transfers when he joined from Sligo Rovers in January 2009.

Coleman, who cost a miserly £60,000, signed a contract in the summer to stay at Goodison Park until at least the end of 2022/23 and needs 37 more appearances to reach 400 for Everton.

He is the subject of an exclusive feature interview in Everton’s matchday programme for the meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on 2 January.

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The 33-year-old concedes the passing of time has necessitated some changes to his game and there is a stated acceptance of any criticism directed his way when Everton are falling below their self-set standards.

On the issue of his eyeballs-out approach, Coleman is unequivocal.

“I go full-tilt every day and wouldn’t like it any other way, no days off, always training like everyone else,” said Coleman.

“I’ve always felt I need to train how I play; not be seen having days off or extra days in the gym.

“I am sure that time will come – but not yet.

“I’ve been left out of Everton teams or not picked for periods of time because of form but I’d never want teammates saying, ‘Look at him sulking because he’s not getting a game’.

“I couldn’t look my teammates in the eye if I went to training and didn’t give it everything, I don’t understand how you could give less than one hundred per cent.

“You have to respect the football club that pays you the good money we receive.”

Coleman missed his first Premier League game in 10 when Everton drew at Chelsea a fortnight ago, the Republic of Ireland player fit enough only to sit on the bench in case of emergencies after being on the wrong end of a bruising challenge in the previous match, at Crystal Palace.

He began the season in an Everton team that claimed 10 points from four matches but experienced the other side of the coin when results dipped in October and November.

An uplifting win over Arsenal this month restored a measure of stability and Everton are back within striking distance of the top half of the table.

Coleman is hopeful of a complete recovery in time for Brighton’s visit.

“There were a few occasions in the past when my form was under scrutiny,” said Coleman.

“I am captain of the Club and a familiar face.

“I would rather it be me than someone coming through, or a player who has just signed for the Club.

“I can take it on the chin and understand you have to accept the good and bad together.

“You can’t just read about the good times.

“You have to take the stick when it comes.

“When you go to the training ground, you do your work and put in your effort.

“The noise outside of that, in the best possible way, doesn’t affect me.

“I know what I am doing to try to have a positive impact on the team every day.

“I might not be the playing presence I was at 23 or 24, but as a captain and in training every day, I am giving my all, approaching it as if I was a 22-year-old.”

Coleman has captained Everton full-time since the beginning of 2019/20.

He doesn’t have exclusive hold over leadership duties, however. Coleman name checks Andros Townsend, Fabian Delph and Asmir Begovic as “good voices” in the dressing room, before offering this: “Allan is a great leader, someone who helps me along as much as he can.

“His English is improving every week and he has excellent leadership qualities.

“And Dominic Calvert-Lewin is so important for us and starting to show real leadership qualities.”