Preview: Ireland can do talking on pitch to stop Greece lightning striking thrice

It appears to be a case of actions speaking louder than words for new Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson ahead of tonight's UEFA Nations League clash with Greece at the Aviva Stadium.

The time for talking appears to be over as the head coach attempts to plot his first positive result, at the second time of asking, with the visit of Ivan Jovanovic’s side.

With just a few days to plan for the visit of England, it was always going to be an uphill task for Hallgrimsson to gain anything from his first venture as Ireland head coach.

However, the nature of the defeat will have certainly stung the new man in charge, who appeared bewildered after the game, while admitting that his side lacked both confidence and initiative, while struggling with their collective decision-making.

With just three days to turn it around, Hallgrimsson left the pre-match media duties to assistant coach, John O’Shea, as he attempts to mastermind a transformative performance from his side, while looking to build momentum ahead of the October games.

A double-header on the road awaits Ireland next month as they travel to Helsinki and then head to the other end of the continent in a return to Athens.

But first, Greece. At home.

Generally, a competitive clash with Greece at Lansdowne Road would see Ireland expected to take the points, however, following three years of underachieving under the last manager’s reign, coupled with a double defeat to tonight’s opponents in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, puts the home side under real pressure to perform.

Add to that the awful opening half against England, and suddenly tonight’s task appears tougher still.

Thankfully for Hallgrimsson, the second half of Saturday’s game offered a glimmer of hope, as Ireland kept the English