Hallgrímsson: 'Séamus Coleman proved me wrong over international career revival'
REVIVAL: Seamus Coleman was a key figure in Ireland snaring a World Cup playoff berth. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Heimir Hallgrímsson admits he was “proven wrong” by Séamus Coleman’s international revival which fuelled Ireland snaring next week’s World Cup playoff berth.
Coleman’s inactivity at Everton convinced the Ireland manager to drop his captain for the start of the campaign but the 37-year-old started all four qualifiers upon his recall, culminating in November’s late victory over Hungary.
The Donegalman admitted that international retirement would have ensued had Ireland not salvaged second spot but, despite still being idle at Everton, he will skipper the team in Czechia next Thursday.
“Let’s just make this easy - Séamus proved me wrong,” said Hallgrímsson when asked yesterday by the why his selection criteria has altered.
“Coming back into the squad, he just proved me wrong. He was ready when I was doubting him. It’s just an easy answer to this one.
“Always when you’re wrong, you learn. That’s life, you make mistakes and wrong decisions. To grow you need to learn from those things.
“I think we’ve all experienced that in life. We say something that’s wrong and you need to be man enough to say okay. I learned from that one and it’s in the bank so next time I make a decision I will look at it from a wide angle.
“Definitely in Séamus’ case, you never know but it was probably the wrong decision at that time.”
The Icelander will be sticking around for at least another two years after penning a contract extension that covers the Euro 2028 tournament which Ireland are co-hosting.
Avoiding relegation to the third tier of Uefa Nations League and securing a playoff spot were the targets set by his employers and the FAI were keen to avoid their manager being lured elsewhere.
“I said I wanted to sign even after the (World Cup) tournament but there was big pressure from the association for me to sign before these playoff matches,” he explained.
“I said I don't want to be where I'm not wanted so I really felt that I was wanted.” The longer term will be parked while Ireland attempts to complete a potential 180 minute mission to a first World Cup since 2002.
New Czechia manager Miroslav Koubek has branded the semi-final as ‘war’. Win that, on penalties if necessary, and Ireland will host either Denmark or North Macedonia on March 31 for a place at the June showpiece.
“We just need to prepare for everything that they throw at us but, definitely, he was rallying the people for support,” said Hallgrímsson about his counterpart, who has also picked an expanded squad of 25.
“We just need to be ready for every kind of what’s coming; , whether it’s psychological or, on the pitch, if it’s physical.
“We want the players to visualise what is going to happen so, when it happens, you are ready for it. That’s one thing to calm players down.
“Secondly is not get carried away with what we did last time by beating Portugal and Hungary. Just to continue to do the same things because this is not a game that we are going to gung-ho.
“This could be 120 minutes and penalties so we need to be ready for all scenarios. And once we have spoken about it and visualised it then you will be more relaxed for what’s coming.” Coleman will be joined in the squad by Robbie Brady, the only survivor from Ireland’s last tournament, Euro 2016.
Brady is gradually gaining exposure at Preston North End after missing the entire six-game campaign after groin surgery.
“These guys, Séamus and Robbie, have been there before and can share their experience.
“It’s not make or break if Robbie plays only 15 minutes on Friday for Preston. We know that his mentality will overcome a lot of things. He was our best player in the Nations League campaign.”
One player whose injury hasn’t healed is Evan Ferguson. The striker’s ankle problem required surgery last week, the extent of which means unfortunately, like Josh Cullen, the World Cup will come too soon if Ireland progress.
“Most likely because the recovery is four to six months,” the manager said of Ferguson. “It will be the same for Mikey Johnston, as he’s had an operation as well.” In Ferguson’s absence, Troy Parrott will continue to be the talisman.
“Czechia are speaking about Troy in press conferences as our main player,” said his boss.
“That’s a good thing. The only thing I am concerned about is that he is fit and playing and ready to score coming in.”
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