Ireland paid price for an off day in Kosovo – Heimir Hallgrimsson

The Boys in Green opened their campaign with defeat in Kosovo on Thursday night.

MOVING ON: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson wants his squad to regroup quickly. Pic: Adam Davy/PA

Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted his side had paid for “an off day” after slipping to a 1-0 defeat away to Kosovo in their Nations League opener.

The build-up to the League B3 encounter had been overshadowed by the controversy around upcoming fixtures against Israel, which Hallgrimsson had admitted many of his squad members were uncomfortable about playing.