Odd calls at back didn't help Heimir's cause

Ireland's Nathan Collins looked uncomfortable at left centre back. Pic: Ryan Byrne, Inpho

Odd men in 

Ireland's dismal defending in the first half against Hungary on Saturday night was due in considerable part to Heimir Hallgrimsson's alignment of his back four. Previously, he always selected Nathan Collins at right centre-back, with Dara O'Shea to the left of him. But on this occasion the pair swapped sides. Captain Collins was particularly uncomfortable, as evidenced by the attempted pass to Ryan Manning that conceded a throw-in in the build-up to Hungary's 2nd-minute goal.

Doherty's dilemma 

Matt Doherty was dropped for Wolves' most recent Premier League match, having played the first two fixtures at right centre-back. Earning his 53rd cap last Saturday, the right-footer appeared at left-back for only the fourth time in his Ireland career. Doherty's difficult evening ended after 66 minutes, with Manning retreating to the left-back position after Chiedozie Ogbene was introduced. Manning's excellent crossing made the case for having a natural left-footer on that side. It will be no surprise if Liam Scales, an ever-present for Celtic this season, starts against Armenia tomorrow night.

Gung-Ho? Try 4-2-4 

By the end of Saturday night's remarkable match, as Ireland recovered a two-goal deficit for the first time in 43 years, Halgrimsson had gone full 4-2-4. Jason Knight and substitute Jack Taylor anchored the midfield, behind a front line of Ogbene, Evan Ferguson, and substitutes Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston, with Collins loping forward to join in at every opportunity. Johnston's composure in choosing to feed Manning rather than attempt a shot on goal was key to Idah's headed equalizer in the 93rd minute.