Ireland 'honeymoon period' under Hallgrimsson is now over

A swift response is essential as the away matches against Finland and Greece in three weeks approach.

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given in attendance as Premier Sports is set to launch an expanded lineup of football and rugby content this autumn. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Shay Given says he feels for Heimir Hallgrimsson after a “shambolic” FAI recruitment process ended any honeymoon period after two games.

Back-to-back 2-0 home defeats to England and Greece over the past four days have kept the Ireland team in a state of paralysis, deepening the slump from his predecessor Stephen Kenny’s tenure.