Simplicity the key for Heimir Hallgrimsson as Senegal come to town

'We have tried to simplify things. I would say we have taken a step both defensively and in attack,' says the Ireland boss

THIRSTY WORK: Heimir Hallgrimsson enjoys a drink during Thursday's training session at the  National Training Centre in Abbotstown. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Rare do Ireland meet opponents who also wear green.

All that matters is how well the home team has bloomed by the World Cup qualifiers starting in the Autumn.

Only for Ireland requiring a Nations League play-off in March and Portugal being part of that competitions finals this week, their route to the America, Canada, and Canada would already underway, They instead have that rare commodity in the modern international game — a double-header of friendlies against teams of diverging quality, Senegal and Luxembourg.

Heimir Hallgrimsson isn’t complaining. One repercussion from the lengthy hunt to source a successor to Stephen Kenny was the Icelander made a standing start last September.

Over his eight games, he’s experimented with personnel and tactics, all the while supplanting on the team his particular set of principles.

Repetition underpins that objective, an occupational hazard at international level, yet he didn’t allow that need to excuse three players considered part of his preferred team.

That Hallgrimsson not only encouraged, but demanded, Josh Cullen, Finn Azaz, and Mikey Johnston conclude their hectic Championship seasons with an extended rest obliterates any prospect of continuity.

Highlighting the pros and cons of this policy, the manager has reconciled himself with this sacrifice, adamant scope pertains for some slots to be hoovered up over these 180 minutes.

Senegal’s pedigree will minimise latitude for Irish experimentation. Hosting the team ranked 19 in the world, only missing Sadio Mane from their glittering squad, will be a difficult enough task for a full-strength Irish side languishing back in 60.

Even in non-competitive fare, this test will resemble what confronts Ireland in the October and November meetings with top seeds Portugal, so impressive in their semi-final victory over Nations League finals hosts Germany on Tuesday.

“If you don’t have the basics, then details don’t matter,” asserted Hallgrimsson ahead of his first friendly, against a team he’s familiar with from his time at the helm of African rivals Jamaica.

“We have tried to simplify things. I would say we have taken a step both defensively and in attack. Some things we like to repeat all the time.

“Other things, the players are starting to understand — what to think when you win the ball and where to look.

“Our identity is clearer and clearer every camp we play. We try to hammer that home.

“When players go from three months at their club to coming in for a week with the national team, its most important to try to sink in how we should think as a team.

“We try to hammer in the basics, our principles defending and our principles in attack.

“The most important thing in a national team is that our principles are 100%.” 

Despite being shorn of Cullen, Azaz, and Johnston, available to him are a trio who’ll backbone his team for the campaign his contract is tied to.

Caoimhín Kelleher no longer has the uncertainty of his club future hanging over him.

He’ll line up in goal behind his new Brentford clubmate and captain Nathan Collins.

Further up the pitch, Evan Ferguson could do with only his second start since equalising on the way to the March comeback win over Bulgaria.

Elsewhere, Matt Doherty and Robbie Brady should start in the full-back berths, with Dara O’Shea being challenged for the central spot alongside Collins by Jake O’Brien.

Jason Knight has earned the trust of the management team to be installed as a midfield holder.

Jack Taylor and the returning Will Smallbone will jostle to partner him, albeit the latter might be assigned to the No 10 role ahead.

Ireland could do with Kasey McAteer finally sparking after officially declaring last year.

There’s a void left by Azaz and Johnston which he’s capable of seizing upon based upon how he finished Leicester City’s relegation season.

Killian Phillips, John Patrick Finn, and Josh Honohan may have to wait for the visit to Luxembourg on Tuesday for their debuts.

“It’s the end of the club season so we didn't overload the players,” explained the manager about preparations.

“We tried to limit time training on the pitch, to give them a little more break during this camp but still we got our message through. We will see tomorrow if it's totally got to them.”