Heimir Hallgrímsson: 'I don’t think Nathan will play in midfield tomorrow'

Hallgrímsson has tinkered with various options in that area; positing Josh Cullen as a plank of the duo without establishing a regular partner

Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson and Nathan Collins laugh together at the press conference. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Ireland are facing an Italian manager but it will be the home team channelling Giovanni Trapattoni’s template for this opening World Cup qualifier.

Under the legendary boss, Ireland effectively fielded a defensive six, four defenders shielded two holding midfielders, mirroring the famous Catenaccio format perfected in Italy.