Fractures underfoot leave Hallgrímsson feeling the need to tread carefully  

'In my job, you can't win them all," says Ireland manager. But he knows a win in next week's playoff may help the healing 

SEEING THE COUNTRY: Head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson at Thursday's Republic of Ireland Squad Announcement, FAI HQ, Dublin. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Before Heimir Hallgrímsson can concentrate on his international remit, the Ireland manager has national skirmishes to address.

His employers’ status as punchbags of Irish sport is returning to peak levels and the men’s head coach cannot escape the crossfire.