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The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Nathan Collins reveals embarrassing loss that ‘affected a lot of people' gave Ireland star ‘new hunger' for World Cup
NATHAN COLLINS believes Ireland's winter of discontent can make for a glorious summer and beyond. Captain qualifiers . Advertisement 2 Ireland were hammered 5-0 by England Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Nathan Collins believed it has stood to them Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Confidence is rising among the squad that they can go all the way in the qualifiers after wins home and away over Bulgaria and But winter . And that agony came after The defender said: 'That one hurt and affected a lot of people. Advertisement Read More on Ireland MNT 'It was nice to have a little break away from people, reset and go again. 'If we had a good result there and there was a long wait, we would have to wait. The hurt in the dressing room after . . . it was not a nice place to be in. 'It created a new hunger for me. It definitely resetted me to want to do better and improve for the next camp. It might work in a good way for us.' That Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog And that continued a grim few years at international level with plenty of disappointing results. One of those included an 'Don't say that on camera' - Nathan Collins' admission about Caoimhin Kelleher's move leaves Heimir in stitches Not that Collins — who was called up to the Ireland squad subsequently — looks too far into the past. He said: 'Football, people, managers and teams change. You just have to reflect on that. Advertisement 'It is about what works for us and we can't have that on our mind. 'We are here with fresh faces. It is a fresh and new game.' GOING WELL Ireland face Luxembourg with a different mindset and are full of confidence after two wins and a draw to date since that Wembley woe. And Collins believes everything is going well ahead of the World Cup campaign which starts against Aviva Stadium on September 6. Advertisement He said: 'I feel the performance against Senegal was a really big step. 'We were so comfortable in the game and in our shape. 'We performed to a very high degree and it is about pushing on, growing that and getting better. 'I just think there's a bit more of a base now in the team. There's a bit of solidity in it. Advertisement 'It was a bit all up in the air last summer , wasn't it? Everything regarding Ireland was at the time. 'But the way the squad is, the way we have our manager here, everything is solidified now. 'We're building our base, growing and we're working from that. We're trying to create momentum for us to get better. We have time to practice together again and keep creating stuff. 'If the qualifiers were today, I would be comfortable enough. Advertisement 'We know the basics of what the manager wants but also know that he wants more from us. 'But it's not today and we can do more to get better and prepare.' ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT And the former Wolves man acknowledged there are still areas where Icelander Hallgrimsson wants to see improvements from his troops. One area in particular is seeing games out, as Ireland have kept just one clean sheet in Hallgrimsson's nine games in charge to date. Advertisement Collins added: 'We could have defended better and we could have been more proactive with the chances we conceded against Senegal. 'If we want to get to the next stage we have to see games like that out. 'I think we are definitely good enough. We're good enough to go score another goal but also not concede or give them chances. 'They are the little things where we can grow. Advertisement 'There are loads of individual things as defensive and attacking units where we can grow together. 'Taking away from the last game, we've got to take our chances, see a game out, be solid — winning games like that will be massive come the World Cup.' Ireland's group is a tricky one with Hungary, Armenia and top seeds But Collins said that Ireland must make sure they are confident going into the campaign. Advertisement He said: 'We didn't need to see Sunday night to know how good 'But if we can do what we can control and the manager wants from us we will create our own problems against Portugal. 'We're a completely different team to Spain and will create different problems and defend in a different way. 'We'll frustrate them in ways they won't like. We know the standard and how good they'll be. Advertisement 'But they have to know how tough a game it will be for them against us.'
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘He has been punished' – Luxembourg defend selection of star found guilty of assault and battery ahead of Ireland clash
LUXEMBOURG coach Luc Holtz said that fan protests over domestic abuser Gerson Rodrigues' inclusion are not a distraction. The Grand Duchy boss had faced criticism for selecting Rodrigues who was found guilty of three assault and battery charges, including one for assaulting his former girlfriend. Advertisement 2 Luc Holtz insisted fan protests around Gerson Rodrigues won't distract his team against Ireland Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Gerson Rodrigues was found guilty of three assault and battery charges Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription The three incidents - two involving altercations with males outside nightclubs - all happened in 2022 and were tried as one case. Rodrigues continues to deny he assaulted his former partner, but lost an appeall against a €1,500 and suspended 18 month sentence in March. He has continued to be picked by Holtz with the backing of the Luxembourg FA. But it has led to sustained criticism in Luxembourg, and a security removed a fan banner. Advertisement Read More on Ireland MNT The Luxembourg FA have subsequently apologised for that, but have reaffirmed that Rodrigues can be selected. Holtz largely avoided questions on the issue at the pre-match press conference ahead of the PRO Marc Diederich said: 'The reason that the board of the Federation allowed the coach to select him was because he had his punishment from the court of Luxembourg. 'The court is the only instance that can punish people, it's not for the public or the journalists or you to give him a second punishment, he has been punished by the court. Advertisement Most read in Football 'He can do everything, he can go to the supermarket , he can play in this team, that's why he is selected, there are lots of examples in other countries.' When asked did that sent the wrong message, or that it is okay, he said: 'No, it's not ok, no one says it's ok to beat up a woman. RTE viewers hail Killian Phillips as emotional Republic of Ireland star reflects on 'proudest moment' of his life 'But he has had a second chance, we said clearly to him it should never happen again.' While Holtz largely stayed silent when questioned about Rodrigues, he did insist that none of the criticism or protests will distract his team. Advertisement He said: 'The focus from the team is only on the pitch, all that is not the pitch does not distract the players. 'The focus is on the pitch, everything is not the pitch, on the tribunes, outside should not distract the team, did not distract the team.' And he believes that taking on Ireland is a perfect warm-up game for their Holtz said: 'It will be a very good test, both Ireland and Advertisement 'The mentality is quite close between Ireland and Northern Ireland, it is perfect preparation for the match in September.' But Holtz is also familiar with Ireland as the two sides met in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers , losing 3-0 at home but winning 1-0 in Dublin , when Rodrigues scored the winner. And Holtz insisted that the only difference between then, and now, is that both teams are now more experienced. He said: 'The team did not change so much since '21, only a few new young players, the other ones have got more experience, and more confident. Advertisement 'The football is the same in 2021 and 2025. Maybe we have more experience, that's the only difference.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Will Smallbone reveals historic Ireland trait that is ‘going to get us to the World Cup' after draw against Senegal
WILL SMALLBONE believes Heimir Hallgrimsson is pointing Ireland in the right direction — and towards the World Cup. The Advertisement 2 Will Smallbone in action against Ismaila Sarr Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile 2 Ireland were held to a draw by Senegal Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile But Smallbone felt it was a giant step in the right direction — as Hallgrimsson's directions were followed down to a tee. The 'I was only in Heimir's first camp so that was very new for everyone and I missed the next three camps. 'To then come back into it was very similar messages but it all seems very clear and concise. Advertisement Read More on Ireland MNT 'That makes it easier as a player when you know exactly what the manager wants from you and you just have to go out and do your best to deliver it.' And he believes that, even though qualifiers . Smallbone added: 'I think he wants to create a winning habit and you see the way he talks about getting to the World Cup. 'It's obviously the aim for everyone. Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive 'Winning is the only way we can get there. So it is about coming out on top in games in the past we maybe would have lost by a goal to switch it the other way to win by a goal. 'He put an emphasis on set-pieces and making sure we're a threat whenever we get one. Heimir Hallgrimsson gives first call-up to four Ireland players in squad for friendlies vs Senegal and Luxembourg 'If you look at Irish teams in the past, they've always been built very big on set-pieces and making the Aviva a really tough place to come to. 'So I think that's what we've to get back to. Advertisement 'The more I play football , the more I go into my career and see that winning is what gets remembered. 'It is ultimately what is going to get us to the World Cup. I think if the game is scrappy and it's a one goal game, we need to make sure it's us that gets the goal.' 'DISAPPOINTING' Ireland were not far off that against Senegal — a team ranked 19th in the world who are now on a 21-game unbeaten run. Hallgrimsson's men dominated the first half and looked on course for a win even as they rode their luck in the second half before Advertisement Midfielder Smallbone added: 'The goal for every game is to win, at times performances have been good but winning has not been there. So the main thing is just winning. 'Maybe in the past we've got good performances but we need to make sure we're winning to get to these tournaments. 'So obviously a draw is disappointing but Senegal are a top nation so I think it is a step in the right direction. 'I think it's a good result against a strong team that has been unbeaten for such a long time. Advertisement 'I think we can come away from it with lots of positives but a few things we need to improve on. 'I think these summer camps have been a bit of a struggle sometimes, where we've had a long time off and we've been coming in and been trying to get up to speed. 'I've noticed a real high quality and high intensity throughout the whole week. 'And I think that it was showing in the performance.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Robbie Brady hints at retirement plans as Ireland hero declares they are ‘fully focused' on World Cup qualification bid
ROBBIE BRADY has packed a lot into his career — but it is the days he has missed that have made him hungry for more. The 33-year-old was this week named the 2 Robbie Brady remains a key figure for Ireland Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 He was named POTY for the first time since his heroics at Euro 2016 Credit: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images It was the first time the His importance to the team, in a role where there are few options — left-back — even meant While every other summer off, Brady is in camp. Hallgrimsson said: 'First of all he is a good footballer. But for us with his experience, his knowledge, his character, his leadership skills, it is really important for us to have a player like him because we have such a young squad that is lacking the experience we need to play on the big stage. Read More on Ireland MNT 'We are really fortunate to have him — Doc [Matt Doherty] as well, similar age, similar experience, so all teams need quality players and leaders like him.' And Brady does not mind being asked to slug it out in training when many of his peers are lying on the beach. The 33-year-old smiled: 'It's all right, I had a couple of weeks' break and kept myself ticking over for these games coming. I am feeling good.' His season went well at club level. Last week he signed a new next year. He has made 378 top-level appearances in Most read in Football Every Even though he 'You can't make this up' - Irish fans in stitches at Ruesha Littlejohn's playful prank upon Katie McCabe's camp arrival He continued: 'This one means a little bit more to me — 2016, I was a lot younger and playing really well at the time. 'Not that I expected to win then because I was in a really good team, but I was in really good form. 'To come back now, after a little time out, the group and staff have helped me to get back to a level where I feel comfortable. 'I am playing some good football at the minute and really enjoying it, so it means a lot to me.' There is also the knowledge of how quickly it can be taken away. LONG WAY BACK His award-winning season is all the more remarkable considering the fact that he was frozen out at international level for 16 months not that long ago. He won his 60th cap in November 2022 against It looked then like Brady — a 31-year-old who had some serious injuries during his career — was being retired from international football, but he never saw it that way. He said: 'There are doubts around that time when you are not getting a call-up. 'I wasn't fit at the time but I knew if I could get myself fit and looked after my body and I got back playing, the rest was down to me to perform. 'I managed to do that and I never lost belief that I could get myself back. It was down to a fitness thing. 'I don't think you just forget how to play football. If I'm fit I can perform and I've managed to do that since I've come back in. 'It is just about working hard and getting back to what I can do myself. I've loved every minute of being back in here, under a spotlight. 'I missed out on some time and I'll be looking to get that back if I can. It's down to how I look after myself and where the next couple of seasons take me. 'I'm fit at the minute. I'm feeling good and I feel like I'm playing some good football. I'll focus on the now and see where it takes me.' 'I'll be looking at this as probably the last, there are no secrets about it.' Right now, that means forgoing summer holidays with an eye on a big summer next year at the He was a key man the last time Ireland came close when they were walloped in a play-off by But the memories of Ireland's last finals appearance at Euro 2016 — when the Brady continued: 'You want to be involved in every tournament. 'We haven't managed that over the last couple but this one coming around, we'll all be fully focused. 'We know what it means to everybody. We know what a lift it will give to the country, to go and qualify for a World Cup. 'And personally it would be absolutely incredible to go and play in a World Cup. 'It will be full steam ahead now come September, get ourselves in the best shape we can and be prepared and ready to go. 'There's no lying about it, I'm not getting any younger. 'But, the team we have now, it's a physical, young team and it suited me to come in and sort of play the role I've played. 'It's been great for me. We'll be looking forward to this tournament, we'll be looking to start well and hopefully qualify. 'I'll be looking at this as probably the last, there are no secrets about it.'
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘He's a player of interest' – Hallgrimsson hints at shock Ireland return for James McClean in major retirement U-turn
IRELAND boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed James McClean is on his World Cup radar. McClean, 36, 2 Heimir Hallgrimsson suggests James McClean could be brought back for Ireland Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 2 He retired from international football in 2023 Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile But he always said he And now back in the next term after back-to-back promotions, Hallgrimsson admits McClean (above) is someone to consider. Hallgrimsson said: 'He is a player of interest, really. Again, he is a character that could help us at some point. 'I think we were more looking at younger players in this camp but we'll obviously look at him like everyone else. Read More on Ireland MNT 'If he is better than the ones we have already, I would have no problem with selecting him. 'I don't know him personally. I haven't spoken to him but caught up on him and saw him play. 'Like I said, what is he, 36? He's not getting any younger. 'But if he's better than the ones we have, I would have no problems with selecting him. Most read in Football 'It would have been good to have camps to call him in and work with him for a week. 'And I've said before, age is not an issue for me if a player is 16 and better than the ones before or 35. 'He's got the fastest hands' - Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fight 'It really doesn't matter if they are better than the ones we have.' Josh Honohan, 24, are Hallgrimsson's two left-back options for the upcoming friendlies against And he confirmed Dutch-based Anselmo Garcia-MacNulty, 22, is also a left-back option though he was not called up on this occasion. The Seville-born former Ireland Under-21 international was an ever-present for PEC Zwolle this season and has been in the Irish system since aged 16. But he has played all season at centre-half where Hallgrimsson has plenty of options at present. The boss said: 'He's a promising player. He's playing every minute in a proper league. 'A different style than he's used to, so he's adapting to the style they are playing. 'He is a left-footed centre-back and we don't have many of those. 'He probably has more of a chance playing as a left-back but he's not doing that at this stage. 'He can play both, so if you look to the future , definitely a guy that we will have our eye on.'
