Ireland badly need their Tractor Boys to make hay

It's stating the obvious to say Heimir Hallgrimsson's main task as Republic of Ireland head coach is to make the team harder to beat.

However, the back line is not his biggest concern in that regard.

If you want to avoid losing games, scoring goals helps - and that's a much tougher fix than solidifying a defence.

In their last 14 games, the Boys in Green have found the net 14 times, which doesn't sound too bad until you note that seven of them came in two games against Gibraltar.

Seven goals in 12 (and that includes a 3-0 win in Luxembourg) is a better reflection of Ireland's creative struggles, and it's something that has to change if they are to enjoy a good Nations League or harbour any genuine hope of making the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The source of the Republic of Ireland's last seven goals

Luxembourg (3-0 win)

Volleyed home from a corner

Set-pieces are, and always will be, a massively important part of the game and there should be no shame in trying to maximise the advantages Ireland have in that area - tall, strong players who are good in the air.

But an over-reliance on frees and corners is unhealthy; simply put, the Boys in Green need more of an X-factor.

So much expectation has been placed on the young shoulders of Evan Ferguson, whose progress last season was hindered by injury problems and a loss of form.

It's common for a young player to go through the sort of campaign Ferguson endured in 2023/24 as the body continues to develop and opposing defences start to suss you out.

He has too much ability to stay out of the Brighton and Hove Albion side for long once he gets back up to speed, but the 19-year-old hasn't played since March and Hallgrimsson might feel throwing him into the fray against