Hallgrimsson admits he is using Nations League to experiment before World Cup qualifiers

Ireland boss ditched veteran defender Matt Doherty for this window.

Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson speaks to the press. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrimsson insists Nations League games are his final chance to experiment for the World Cup qualifiers after he ditched veteran defender Matt Doherty.

Ireland lost both of last month’s home opening qualifiers 2-0 against England and Greece. They travel to Helsinki on Tuesday to face Finland on Thursday before the rematch against Greece in Piraeus.

Injury ruled out Séamus Coleman and Will Smallbone but Jake O’Brien, Matt Doherty, Callum Robinson and Alan Browne were culled from this 24-man squad.

“When you have new players, some need to step out,” he said. “Will and Seamus are injured, while the four make way for others.

“We know Matt and Seamus are here a long time but they can’t play forever. We need to have a Plan B and my job is to get the squad to the World Cup.

“As we’ll be in a five-team World Cup group, next year will all be competitive matches so this is the only chance to experiment. The most important thing is getting to the World Cup.

“I called Matt yesterday and he wasn’t happy of course. We’re just testing other players. It’s better to give him this camp off.

“I also explained to Jake and he respected the decision. There are many similar players and we have a lot of centre-backs.

“Mikey Johnston was struggling with injury so happy to have him back. Josh Cullen has played two full matches since missing the last window. Jamie McGrath was close to the last squad and has started the season well.

“I saw Finn Azaz for Middlesbrough against Stoke City, a guy who can step up to this level.

“Mark McGuinness might be a surprise but he is aerially dominant and a set-piece threat with a good range of passing.

“Jack Taylor is getting better at Ipswich, someone good on the ball who can dribble.

The Icelander confirmed he has started to attend club matches, having been at just one before his first window.

“Normally from good performance, we will get points. I’m not going to state a tally but we want to build on the Greece game, using better principles. 

“We need to quickly find our starting XI. We need to be pragmatic around the ball. It is difficult to be a passing team with rotation.

“I don’t count matches but last week was intense up and down England. Time efficiency for me was seeing more players. Last week all day went towards travelling to see one or two players.”