Takeaways from Ireland's stalemate with Belgium

There were parallels with the Stephen Kenny regime he was part of towards the end, insofar as an identical 3-4-2-1 formation and going short from goalkicks but differences prevailed elsewhere.

Belgium's Timothy Castagne (left) and Republic of Ireland's Evan Ferguson battle for the ball.

Judging the opening scene of the year’s show is difficult when the main actor is absent.

There was more to be heartened than horrified by in Saturday’s stalemate against Belgium but the passing of time and arrival of manager will be required to quantify the worth of this exercise.