Nathan Collins believes Ireland have put 'pride back in the shirt'

Ireland's Nathan Collins. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

Nathan Collins believes the Republic of Ireland have put “pride back in the shirt” over the course of this international break.

After a battling performance in Portugal, which ultimately ended in defeat thanks to Rúben Neves injury-time header, Ireland again dug deep and got their rewards with a narrow 1-0 victory over 10-man Armenia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night.

That victory has helped to banish most of the demons from the opening round of World Cup qualifiers, which saw Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men draw 2-2 at home with Hungary before falling to that infamous 2-1 loss to the Armenians in Yerevan.

“Hungary we were alright. We were average, second half we were very good. It's hard to say anything about that. Armenia away was a big hiccup,” admitted Collins.

“We weren't at it all. We weren't at the races but it's a tough place to go to at the same time. I'm not expecting Hungary to go over and walk them over really there.

“I think it would be a tough test for them as well. So, we needed to dust ourselves off. Get that pride back in the shirt. Get that belief going again in Portugal.

“I think we got a bit of belief from that. We felt better as a team, as a unit, as everything defensively.

“We wanted to bring a defensive aspect to what we've done in Portugal and then finish it off with a bit of our threat up front.

“I understand the fans want us to be front-foot and on it all the time but sometimes the best thing is just to be solid.

“I thought we'd done that first half. We were solid. We didn't create anything from when they had the ball. We were probably a bit passive. We didn't get up to them enough.

“But when the fans are on it, it's tough for any team. We've seen it before. We've seen how big teams come here and they struggle with it. It's unbelievable.

“Their support is immense. When they're with us, you really feel like you can't be beaten.” 

Ireland’s win over Armenia, coupled with Hungary’s late heroics to snatch a draw away in Portugal on Tuesday, means the Boys in Green may even need to beat the Portuguese in Dublin and the Hungarians in Budapest next month to secure a playoff berth.

“It doesn't matter,” the Irish captain said of the permutations.

“When you bring Portugal to Aviva, I think the aim is to win the game no matter what.

“Hungary away, the last game of the campaign, anything can happen. But Portugal at home, it's going to be an exciting game.

“You could say they (Portugal) could change up, the squad they are outrageous no matter what players they have.

“It's the same thing for us though. We need to win. I'm comfortable enough with big teams coming here. I think we can perform against them. I think the fans get excited for it. I think it's a great challenge.”