'We're limited in what we can spend' — Ireland manager explains staff dilemma

Despite being third seeds in the pool, languishing 60th in Fifa’s rankings, Hallgrimsson has spoken bullishly about ending Ireland’s 24-year wait for World Cup qualification.

FINANCIAL RESTRICTIONS: Budgetary constraints from the FAI’s financial position have prevented Heimir Hallgrimsson enlisting a sports psychologist for the start of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign. PIC: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Budgetary constraints from the FAI’s financial position have prevented Heimir Hallgrimsson enlisting a sports psychologist for the start of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Icelander has drafted in Spanish conditioning coach Pepe Lázaro Ramírez, who works with Serie A club Udinese, but he must wait for money to become available before completing his backroom team.