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.