Tuesday 28 March 2017 16:41, UK
Phil Jagielka says Seamus Coleman's long-term injury will act as further incentive for Everton heading into Saturday's Merseyside derby, which is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 11.30am.
Coleman suffered a broken leg following a tackle by Neil Taylor in Friday's World Cup Qualifier between the Republic of Ireland and Wales.
The 28-year-old defender is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing an operation on a broken tibia and fibula.
Club captain Jagielka is hoping he and the rest of the Everton squad will be able to speak with Coleman ahead of the Merseyside derby as the Toffees go in search of their first win at Anfield since 1999.
Three days later they will face Manchester United away.
"There are two massive games coming up and that's one thing Seamus will want us to do, to play well and get some good results," the 34-year-old said.
"We'll all be thinking about him and, come Saturday and Tuesday, I'm sure he'll have the TV on and be cheering us on.
"There'll be no incentive needed, but the circumstances over the last few days might add a bit of a motivational edge on our behalf.
"We want to go out there and play well and it will be nice if we can all get to speak to Seamus beforehand."
Coleman has been a pivotal member of Ronald Koeman's starting line-up - starting 26 of Everton's 29 Premier League matches - and pitched in with four valuable goals and numerous assists.
And Jagielka admits Coleman's leadership qualities will be a huge miss for Everton.
"Seamus is a massive part of the furniture. He's been here a long time now, he's one of the leaders," he told Everton.tv.
"All we can do is be there for him. He's had the operation, it's been a success and he's on the slow road to recovery.
"As a club, a family, we have wished him a speedy recovery and we will be with him every step of the way. He's a great lad and hopefully we can get him smiling around the club as soon as possible.
"He'll be down at the moment because it's not long since it happened. His friends and family away from football will help him through these initial stages.
"When he is able to do things it's up to us as a club - the players, physios, coaches. I'm sure we'll be able to get him to where he needs to get to.
"Hopefully it is as quick as possible, but the main thing is that he gets back to the levels he's been showing, not just this season."
Coleman's absence leaves Koeman debating whether to switch to a back three and promote Ramiro Funes Mori from the bench or go for a straight swap in Mason Holgate.
Funes Mori received a red card in the Merseyside derby last season at Anfield while Holgate has impressed in his limited opportunities this season.
