Double header takeaways: Jack Taylor impressed boosting Ireland's midfield presence

Dara O'Shea has filed every position in Ireland's outfield defence since his first cap four years ago.

IMPRESSED FROM THE BENCH: Ireland’s Jack Taylor came on in the 57 minute and had Ireland's two shots on goal. Picture: ©INPHO/Nikola Krstic

When Jack Taylor and Mikey Johnston joined the action for Ireland against Greece during the second half in Piraeus last Sunday night, they became the 25th and 26th players used by Heimir Hallgrimsson in four matches at the helm. That's the same number selected by John O'Shea in his four-match spell as interim boss from March to June this year. O'Shea awarded four new caps (Sammie Szmodics, Finn Azaz, Jake O'Brien and Tom Cannon). Hallgrimsson has given debuts to Kasey McAteer and Taylor.

It's clear that the long delay in appointing Stephen Kenny's successor cost Hallgrimsson a chance to get to know the Ireland squad and experiment with formations in friendly fixtures. Learning about his players in Group B2 of the Uefa Nations League has left the head coach and his team at a competitive disadvantage.