Phil Thompson praises Everton's Seamus Coleman

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson has hailed the development of Everton full-back Seamus Coleman.

The Republic of Ireland international initially broke into the Everton side as an attacking midfielder, but in recent months he has been used by both David Moyes and now Roberto Martinez as a full-back.

Despite making the admission that he had his doubts about the 24-year-old, Thompson has praised the level of improvement that he has made.

"He has been absolutely fantastic. He was a right winger before and they tried to turn him into a full-back and it wasn't actually working - he was making a lot of mistakes. He didn't have that knowledge to play as a full-back," Thompson told Sky Sports News.

"He's improved his defensive side, though, and he has still got those attacking instincts. He has had some wonderful performances this season. He's blessed with great pace as well and it helps him out to make tackles."

Coleman joined the Toffees from Sligo Rovers in January 2009.