Heimir Hallgrimsson wants more progress – Ireland v Finland talking points

Heimir Hallgrimsson will complete the first phase of his Republic of Ireland mission with this week’s Nations League fixtures against Finland and England.

Last month’s victory over the Finns in Helsinki was the first of his fledgling reign at the third attempt, and a repeat at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening would cement Ireland’s League B status and send them into Sunday’s difficult trip to Wembley on a high.

Here, we have a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game.

Hallgrimsson admitted after last month’s 2-0 defeat in Greece that Ireland had to stop handing gifts to their opponents after costly errors in both October games.

Nathan Collins’ underhit back-pass in Helsinki allowed Joel Pohjanpalo to open the scoring before goals from Liam Scales and Robbie Brady won it for the visitors, while keeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s miscued pass handed Petros Mantalos the opportunity to kill off any hope of a fightback in Athens three days later.

Similar generosity could prove deeply damaging when qualifiers come around.

Wolves defender Matt Doherty was a late call-up to the squad after being left out altogether for the last camp as Hallgrimsson looked at alternatives.

He admitted his disappointment at seeing central defender Andrew Omobamidele line up in his position at right-back against Greece in September while he sat on the bench, and one of the Republic’s most experienced – and at his best, accomplished – players clearly had something to prove to the Icelander.

A comeback win for @IrelandFootball