Five key talking points as Republic of Ireland face Luxembourg friendly
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson will make his final preparations for the World Cup qualifying campaign when he sends his side into friendly battle with Luxembourg on Tuesday evening.
Fresh from a morale-boosting 1-1 home draw with Senegal on Friday night, Ireland will face Luc Holtz's men in the Grand Duchy, looking to bring their season to a successful conclusion.
Advertisement
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game.
Last chane saloon
Hallgrimsson's stated aim since he slipped into the Ireland hotseat was to prepare a team for the World Cup qualifying campaign which gets under way in September against Hungary.
The Luxembourg game represents his last chance to experiment – something he was also able to do against Senegal with most of his Sky Bet Championship players rested for this camp – before the serious business of accumulating points begins.
Remembering how to win
The Icelander's first season at the helm has yielded modest, yet mildly-encouraging results.
Advertisement
Having suffered the misfortune of seeing his team drawn in the same Nations League group as relegated England and old foes Greece, their battle was realistically for second place at best and it took a play-off victory over Bulgaria to preserve their League B status.
The nine games the Republic have played under his charge have brought four wins – home and away against both Finland and the Bulgarians – and a draw; Ireland had won only 12 of their previous 44 in all competitions.
Chance to shine
Several members of the squad will hope Hallgrimsson is ready to ring the changes, with Everton defender Jake O'Brien, Celtic counterpart Liam Scales and Istanbul Buyuksehir wing-back Festy Ebosele, who were used as substitutes on Friday evening, and Andrew Omobamidele and Troy Parrott, who were not, principal among them.
Hell for Evan
Another who will be keeping his fingers crossed is Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
Advertisement
The 20-year-old endured a miserable spell on loan at West Ham during the second half of last season, making only eight appearances – including just one start – and failing to find the back of the net, something he did for his country in a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium in March.
Bad memories
The mere mention of Luxembourg sends a shiver down the spine of Ireland supporters. On March 27th, 2021, Holtz's team, then ranked 98th in the world by FIFA, emerged from their trip to Dublin with a 1-0 World Cup qualifier win courtesy of Gerson Rodrigues' goal, perhaps the low point of former boss Stephen Kenny's reign.
The Republic, who were ranked 42nd at the time, gained their revenge in the return with a 3-0 victory at the Stade de Luxembourg, but that particular scar remains.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
31 minutes ago
- BBC News
Watch: Adams lashes Scotland into early lead in Liechtenstein
Update: Date: 5 mins Title: GOAL! Liechtenstein 0-1 Scotland Content: Che Adams Bang. That'll do. Update: Date: 4 mins Title: Post Content: Liechtenstein 0-0 Scotland That's better from the Ipswich striker as George Hirst gets across his man and watches his header get nicked behind. Corner. Update: Date: 3 mins Title: Post Content: Liechtenstein 0-0 Scotland Lennon Miller disguises a lovely ball through for George Hirst, who completely fluffs his cross out of play. Update: Date: 2 mins Title: Post Content: Liechtenstein 0-0 Scotland Sarcastic cheers, I think, from the Scotland fans as Ross Doohan claims his first ball. Update: Date: 1 min Title: KICK-OFF Content: Liechtenstein 0-0 Scotland Away we go in Vaduz. Update: Date: 16:59 BST Title: Post Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Thomas DuncanBBC Sport Scotland in Vaduz Always a funny moment when the Scotland fans remember the Liechtenstein national anthem has the same tune as God Save the King. A few boos and smiles. Update: Date: 16:56 BST Title: Post Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Here come the teams and the anthems. As ever, the travelling Tartan Army look in high spirits. Hopefully that's the case in a couple of hours... Update: Date: 16:55 BST Title: Clarke 'very confident' of a response Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Scotland head coach Steve Clarke tells BBC Scotland: "We're very confident [of a much-improved performance]. "4-4-2 was always in the mind against Liechtenstein, as were the six changes." On his message to goalkeeper Ross Doohan: "Go out and do what you can do, be the goalkeeper you are." On Lennon Miller: "You're looking for him and Billy [Gilmour] to get on the ball and create chances for both strikers. Update: Date: 16:52 BST Title: Smiling Steve... Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Update: Date: 16:49 BST Title: ICYMI: Scotland XI in Vaduz Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: 'Two strikers on pitch is positive' Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Lyndon DykesScotland striker on BBC Sportscene I do like the two strikers on the pitch. We, most likely, are going to dominate the game and we need to make sure we're getting crosses into the box for them. Update: Date: 16:43 BST Title: How good are Liechtenstein? Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Liam McLeodBBC Sport Scotland commentator Not very. There are just five nations ranked below Liechtenstein in the world rankings, including the US and British Virgin Islands and San Marino. And even the San Marinese have beaten Liechtenstein twice in the past year. They have only won once in their last 48 matches - a 1-0 success over Hong Kong in a friendly last October - and have a squad mainly made up of home-based part-time players who perform in the lower reaches of the Swiss leagues. In the Euro 2012 qualifiers, manager Craig Levein was made to sweat as a Stephen McManus header in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Hampden spared the Scots one of their most embarrassing results as they laboured to a 2-1 victory. It was not exactly a routine win 13 months later in the return in Vaduz, with Craig Mackail-Smith's solitary Scotland goal settling it. This one has shades of the friendly with Gibraltar 12 months ago, which was another stodgy affair and it may be similar this time round at the end of a long season. Update: Date: 16:41 BST Title: 'We can't treat this as a friendly' Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Lyndon DykesScotland striker on BBC Sportscene Going forward, we need to be switched on and not just treat friendly games as friendlies. We need to build a bit of momentum. Update: Date: 16:39 BST Title: Post Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Those stats have terrified me, tbh. Update: Date: 16:38 BST Title: Pick of the stats Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Update: Date: 16:36 BST Title: 'No need to panic - but Scotland must respond' Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Lewis Ferguson stressed there was no need to panic after Friday's defeat by Iceland - but he admits they need a win in Liechtenstein to restore some confidence. Fans are looking for some encouragement ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign in the autumn, with Scotland up against Denmark, Greece and Belarus. "We need to win our next game," the Scotland midfielder said. "We need to go and put on a performance, a good performance and a winning performance. "That's the only thing that breeds confidence, winning games, so we need to get back to that. "There shouldn't be any panic. We've got a really strong squad, good players, good quality, loads of experience in the team, so there should be no panic. "But we do need to get back to winning ways and get back to performing at the levels we've set ourselves." Update: Date: 16:33 BST Title: Post Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) 🚨 Sportscene coverage is under way. Update: Date: 16:31 BST Title: The marching Tartan Army Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Update: Date: 16:28 BST Title: Is that the Hampden DJ? Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Thomas DuncanBBC Sport Scotland in Vaduz The Rheinpark Stadium is a belter by the way. Not so much for the ground itself, but the backdrop. Nestled between the Alps and the river Rhine, it's a cracking setting for a game. Meanwhile, it's like a travelling Tartan Army member has snuck into the PA room, as it's all Scottish tunes. We've already had Then I Met You by the Proclaimers, and a bit of Niteworks, and the customary Chelsea Dagger. Update: Date: 16:25 BST Title: The stats behind Doohan's season Content: Liechtenstein v Scotland (17:00) Ross Doohan offers Scotland more experience, having played over 180 first-team games in comparison to Cieran Slicker's tally of just seven, but what else does he bring? When confirming his Aberdeen departure last month, the Pittodrie club said Doohan "never let anyone down" during his time deputising in the absence of Dimitar Mitov last term. An injury-time penalty save from Jorge Grant was his highlight, ensuring the Dons earned a goalless draw with Hearts back in January amid a woeful run of form. That game was one of fifteen Doohan played in last season's Scottish Premiership. Across those matches he conceded 27 league goals, an average of 1.86 per game. The former Celtic keeper's save percentage of 56% was the joint second worst in the division. Nevertheless, Steve Clarke will be relieved he has the option of a more experienced pair of hands to call on for a game he badly needs a positive result in.
The Sun
32 minutes ago
- The Sun
Man Utd ‘make first Viktor Gyokeres approach as Ruben Amorim looks to beat Arsenal to huge £60m transfer'
MANCHESTER UNITED have made an initial approach for Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports. The striker scored 66 goals for Ruben Amorim when the pair worked together at Sporting. 2 2 In total, he boasts a staggering record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese giants. Gyokeres, 27, has an £84million release clause in his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. However, Sky Sports News report United contacted Sporting to enquire about the Swedish international. But as revealed by SunSport, it is understood Gyokeres had a gentlemen's agreement with Sporting that he can leave for around £58-60m. And Amorim is desperate to be reunited with the striker - with his current No9s Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for goals. United cannot offer any European football next season - let alone Champions League football. But Amorim will hope his personal connection can entice Gyokeres, who is also wanted by Arsenal. Amorim has already completed his £62.5m transfer from Wolves. And the Red Devils also remain keen on landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. However, that deal has hit complications with Tottenham set to appoint Thomas Frank as their new manager. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
'Overwhelmed' Wassell relishing return to Scotland squad
Emma Wassell says the gallows humour of the Scotland dressing room is keeping a smile on her face during what she describes as an "overwhelming" return to the international major surgery to remove a tumour that was found in her chest last September, the 30-year-old lock is now targeting August's World Cup in England after being included in the initial 38-woman training she readjusts to the demands of international rugby, the former Loughborough Lightning star admits she's enjoying some lively locker-room banter."They keep me very, very humble shall I say," Wassell said."I get a lot of grief" Any time the tumour's brought up everyone's like; 'oh, she had a tumour? Who knew?', we joke about it a lot. "There's a lot of banter around and any time I don't get my way, I try to say; 'guys, I had a tumour', and they're like 'shut up!', so it's pretty light-hearted."The fact she can now laugh about it all shows not just how far she's come physically, but also mentally. Not that the reintroduction to international-level training has been easy."Something I've found quite overwhelming - given I've trained for three or four months myself – is to now be put back in this environment where all the girls are pushing each other and there's a level of pressure around you. "It's been a little bit overwhelming but in the best way possible. "Her aim now is making the final World Cup squad for a tournament she thinks could be a game-changer for Scottish rugby."It's the closest I'll definitely get to a home World Cup and I just think it could be huge for women's rugby in general," she added."For Scotland, it will really push us on a bit more in terms of growing the game."
