Heimir Hallgrimsson: 'Coming in on such short notice to a big football culture like Ireland is pretty tough'

“I’ve tried to learn as much as I can but it has been a short transition time. I’m happy with what I’ve seen. Today, I’m a little bit more positive."

NEW ERA: Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and assistant coach John O'Shea pose for a portrait before a Republic of Ireland squad announcement at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Alex Ferguson was the last figurehead John O’Shea referred to as boss and it won’t be until next Monday’s introduction to his players when Heimir Hallgrimsson’s leadership qualities will be known.

In his first six weeks of the Ireland tenure, the Icelander has been content to take a back seat. After He’s attended just one match over the first three weekends of the UK club season and stressed the 23-player panel unfurled wasn’t a culmination of his assessment.