Hallgrimsson praises Irish defence but sees room for improvement ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The Ireland manager described Kasey McAteer as "a clever footballer".

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and Killian Phillips after the game against Senegal. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has lauded his team’s ability to stifle a “world-class” Senegal team, but warned that work still needs to be done ahead of September’s World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia.

The Boys in Green led 1-0 at half-time courtesy of a Kasey McAteer goal on Friday night, his first in his first start for his country, but conceded a controversial 82nd minute equalizer to Ismail Sarr with questions over an earlier offside inside the box.