Heimir Hallgrimsson hoping to halt Ireland's 'downward spiral' in Helsinki

Heimir Hallgrimsson was in positive form on the eve of Ireland's UEFA Nations League encounter with Finland and believes that his team are in a position to halt the "downward spiral" and play without fear in Helsinki.

Coming off the back of a double defeat in September, coupled with the fact that his squad lost a valuable day’s preparation taking the long hike north, the manager might be forgiven for feeling frustrated ahead of his third game in charge of the national side.

But there was certainly a pep in his step as he arrived to the pre-match press conference in the bowels of the famous Olympic Stadium in the heart of the Finnish capital.

The squad had only managed one active session ahead of their visit to the stadium this morning to train on the playing surface, however, Hallgrimsson has been working with his players on other aspects of their match preparation, in the meeting room.

They have had five meetings already since the squad gathered in Dublin earlier this week, and it appears to have had the desired effect heading into tomorrow night’s game.

"Honestly, I really feel much better in this camp, both on meetings, on the sessions," said Hallgrimsson.

"There's a higher tempo in what we are doing, that would tell me that they are getting it better than last time and maybe understanding a new coach, new things, et cetera.

"I feel better this camp but that's mainly what we have been doing, we had maybe five meetings, we are doing more talking than training."

Hallgrimsson reemphasised what he is attempting to do with the squad, and it is a building process, which he hopes will lead to more consistency leading to more positive results.

And the manager has taken whatever positives he could salvage from the disappointing defeats