Ireland must be more flexible in and out of possession says John O'Shea

“The back four is definitely a stronger position for us at the minute,” asserted O’Shea.

MORE FLEXIBLE: Assistant head coach John O'Shea and Sammie Szmodics speak to the media. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Relegation by Sunday is the permutation Ireland don’t want to contemplate but retention of a settled team and style is an objective they must balance results against.

Last month’s late 2-1 win over Finland in Helsinki gives Ireland the upperhand in avoiding the drop to League B, automatically at least.