World Cup still the bigger goal even as Republic of Ireland learn Nations League playoff fate

Heimir Hallgrimsson described his side’s pairing with Bulgaria as “okay: not his favourite, but not the booby prize that would have been Slovakia either."

WORLD CUP GOAL: Ireland's Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson applauds the fans. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The Republic of Ireland now know what they have to do to stay in League B of the Nations League – or rather, against whom – but Heimir Hallgrimsson is clearly mindful of the task that will follow it when his side makes a qualifying push for the next World Cup.

The Irish boss was in Nyon on Friday to watch the draws for the various Nations League playoffs and he described his side’s pairing with Bulgaria as “okay: not his favourite, but not the booby prize that would have been Slovakia either.