Hallgrimsson: Finnish clean sweep allows Ireland to go to Wembley with confidence

“Surely, we were lucky. They hit the post two times and Caoimhin saved a penalty. This group of players probably deserved luck; they’ve been unlucky many times."

HAPPY CAMPERS: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson (centre left), assistant head coach John O'Shea (left) and Nathan Collins after the UEFA Nations League Group B2 match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Heimir Hallgrimsson admits that his Ireland side can go to Wembley at the weekend with a more relaxed frame of mind after an imperfect but important win that sealed their status in League B of the Nations League.

The Republic rode their luck at times against Finland at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening but came through thanks to an Evan Ferguson header that proved the difference on a night where there was a multiplicity of chances at both ends.

“Happy with of course winning,” said the Ireland boss. “It’s always good. Not only the points but also psychologically to have the win. Good to give the fans a win here at home, it’s a good feeling? Performance? Some good, some bad.

“Surely, we were lucky. They hit the post two times and Caoimhin [Kelleher] saved a penalty. This group of players probably deserved luck; they’ve been unlucky many times. Happy with a lot of things but we are under no illusion that we need to play better than we did today.” 

Kelleher was named man of the match for his 90-minute effort. Hallgrimsson has said in the past that too many of his players operate at the same level and called for some to stand out from the crowd. The Liverpool stopper is doing that in the Premier League and with his country.

“Always when you play good you cement your place in the coach’s mind," said Hallgrimsson. "We probably were both lucky in that we had a good keeper in this game. Caoimhin is playing well at this stage in his career, he is not conceding goals in his club and I hope he is going to take that to Ireland as well.” 

Ferguson was another to impress. The Meathman’s potential is not up for debate but he admitted after this tie in Ballsbridge that his return from a long-term ankle injury had been harder than he expected but he is slowly returning to his best.

His goal was just one part of a very good all-round performance in which he won ball and set up chances. His fourth goal for his country, though, was the most important aspect on the night as he rose to head Mikey Johnstone’s cross home from close range.

“He used the ball well when he had it," added the manager. "Smart passes, just a clever player. Everyone can see his fitness level is improving. He is getting more minutes at his club so happy for him. We know when he gets fully fit he will start to score goals.” And so on to London.

Ireland have struggled against England in recent times and Lee Carsley will be hoping to finish his temporary period in charge on a high after securing a 3-0 win against fellow promotion chasers Greece in Athens on Thursday. Ireland at least go there with nothing to lose, apart from a game, now that their status is safe.

“It was always two matches that were really different to each other,” Hallgrimsson said of this double-header. “We talked about it, that this one was the most important one and that we would have the three points and we probably go a little more relaxed now into the England game.

“It hasn’t any meaning in the positioning of the group [for Ireland]. It is of course important for FIFA points for us to get something from that game. Even though we maybe did not deserve to go there with a clean sheet it gives us a certain confidence going into the England game.”