‘This game will teach us a lesson’ - Heimir's 'unhappy' birthday as Ireland struggle

“Let’s be honest, we’re not happy with this performance,” began Hallgrímsson when talking to RTÉ shortly after full time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIMIR: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson receives a birthday card from Republic of Ireland supporters. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

It wasn’t quite the birthday present that Heimir Hallgrímsson would’ve been hoping to receive.

But still, the Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw away in Luxembourg, following on from their 1-1 draw at home to Senegal on Saturday, does perhaps signal an improvement in defence.