Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed Seamus Coleman to play until he's 40 as the Donegal man prepares to make a landmark appearance for the Toffees.
Coleman, a £60,000 signing from Sligo Rovers in January 2009, is in line to make his 250th Premier League start for the club when they host West Brom on Saturday.
The 31-year-old shone in their opening-day victory at Spurs, and Ancelotti had no hesitation about confirming he'll be in the starting line-up again at the weekend.
"I can say he will start and so congratulations to him," said the Italian.
"It's a great achievement. We are honoured to have him as a captain in this team. Seamus can play until he's 40. He's still young."
In less positive news, Ancelotti has been left with just two fit centre-backs after youngster Jarrad Branthwaite was ruled out with an ankle injury.
The 18-year-old limped off in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Salford and is facing up to a month on the sidelines.
With Mason Holgate already ruled out until possibly the end of October it leaves Ancelotti with just Michael Keane and Yerry Mina, who has had his own injury problems since arriving at Goodison Park in the summer of 2018.
"He [Branthwaite] had a problem on his ankle, he's out for at least three to five weeks. He doesn't need surgery but he has to rest," said Ancelotti.
"Honestly, we are looking for a centre-back. We are looking, if the market offers something I think we can have one.
"Now we are only with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, but we are looking for another one."
