'We have to toughen up our mindset to qualify' - Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman dismissed the concept of this Ireland team being too nice, however, he does feel that the team could create a stronger mindset, ahead of Saturday's UEFA Nations League clash with England at the Aviva Stadium.

The Ireland captain was responding to a quote by the new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, when speaking at a fans’ night, he said that "I think the first impression of the players is really good team players, really good characters, maybe a little bit too nice".

That led to his follow-up regarding the need for a b*****d in the team, which was later said to be out of context, and Coleman believes that the "too nice" tag was similarly lost in translation.

"Ah it was taken maybe a bit out of context," said Coleman, speaking at the pre-match press conference.

"There is nothing wrong with being too nice around the place but you don't get to this level without having a little bit of bite.

"I've said it to the younger lads, our goals are qualifying for tournaments. I think what the manager said was meant in that context. To get to that level you need something else in your locker."

But Coleman did admit that the team may need to change their mindset in future campaigns in order to return to those summer tournaments, and he will be hoping that begins at Lansdowne Road on Saturday evening.

"We do need to understand why we are here," he added. "It is not just about picking up caps, it is about making the country proud. The fans are crying out for [tournaments]. The fans deserve to be there.

"That’s the ultimate goal as an international player. When it’s all said and done, you put your feet up and you’re retired, we’ll look back on the memories of France 2016.

"I think that’s where this group, the younger lads should be