Heimir Hallgrímsson: Ireland 'deserved at least a draw' against Austria

The Ireland manager said captain Nathan Collins will have a scan on his knee on Sunday to determine his availability for Tuesday's clash with Kosovo

Heimir Hallgrímsson: 'I think we are getting closer and closer to these teams. I think we deserved at least a draw from this game.' Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrímsson bemoaned Ireland’s concession of a set-piece goal that ruined their otherwise impressive display in Austria.

Their narrow loss, confirmed by Sasa Kalajdžić’s scrappy goal with 11 minutes left, ended any chance Ireland had of toppling the leaders for top spot in the Uefa Nations League.

They must now beat Kosovo in Tuesday’s final match at Lansdowne Road to finish second which would both earn a spot in pot two for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw on December 6 and a playoff for promotion to League A.

“You never like to concede a goal from a set play,” said the Ireland manager, noting their lapse from a corner.

“This was the second phase and then third phase of play. That’s the margin at this level.

“You need to be switched on and focussed the whole time.

“We had six or seven of those but didn’t convert them into a goal.” 

The Icelander felt Ireland were worthy of a point.

“We deserved at least a draw. If we would have scored the first one, I am so positive we would have scored another one after.

“I wouldn’t even compare this game to Kosovo, which we also lost.

“In this game, we sprinted and tackled more.

“In all metrics we did better, although it doesn’t matter how you play if you lose.

“But I think we are getting closer and closer to these teams. I think we deserved at least a draw from this game."

When scoreless with 22 minutes left, Hallgrímsson made a treble substitution with the intention of seeking the victory.

“We were careful in the substitutions,” said Hallgrimsson.

“You are never happy losing. I have to give credit to the players.

“There were a lot of positives from us. What we asked the players to do.

“Press them and be positive in play. Run in behind Austria.

“This is the game and in one moment you’ve lost the game.” 

He added: “A key message now is we need to have the same energy in three days’ time against Kosovo. 

“This game was highly energetic and will take its toll so we need to be ready.” 

Doubts have emerged about the availability of captain Nathan Collins for the second part of the double-header after he signalled to the bench late on.

“He had something in his knee when he fell down and we're going to get him scanned tomorrow and see what it is. Hopefully it's nothing but we need to be careful as he's just come back from an injury.”