Heimir Hallgrímsson insists he will prioritise pragmatism over popularity when he leads Ireland into what could be the final pair of games under his reign.
September’s defeat in Armenia left Ireland playing catch-up in their World Cup qualification group, meaning four points are the likely minimum target from the top two seeds.
Cristiano Ronaldo brings his Portugal side to Lansdowne Road next Thursday needing a result to consolidate their ticket to Brazil next year.
Presuming Hungary beat bottom seeds Armenia earlier in the day, Ireland must avoid defeat before beating the current runners-up on November 16.
Permutations aplenty abound but it might be the case that more than a single-goal triumph is necessary for Hallgrímsson’s side to leapfrog Dominik Szoboszlai’s Magyars for the playoffs spot.
That’s a scenario the Icelander branded a ‘miracle’ after the Yerevan bodyblow but he’s using the gutsy performance in Lisbon last month – when they lost to a last-minute goal – as reason to be confident of Ireland stunning the Portuguese.
Should his salvage job come up short, the likelihood is Hallgrímsson’s reign being curtailed to 16 months and one contract term.
“I cannot be populistic by considering what others think,” he asserted, convinced his methods can engineer a late flourish.
“This is what I think by seeing the big picture. I know others would disagree and want to do something different.
“I totally respect that, but if you want to win the dance competition, and you also would like to be the most beautiful girl on the dance floor, it kind of messes up with the other thing.
“Sometimes you have to pick and choose.”
Hallgrímsson absorbed flak for persisting with the back-five formation for the must-win visit of Armenia, three days after their rearguard action in Portugal.
He’s confident of Evan Ferguson recovering from his ankle injury to lead the line in search of goals but appeared to be leaning towards continuity of system.
“In our last window, we conceded 0.5 goals per game and that norm is normally enough for any team to qualify.
“If we keep on building on that thing, that is the way forward for us. No matter if I’m not here.” He added: “We cannot play an open game against Portugal because their biggest strength is transition.
“They’re so quick and skilful, using spaces in behind against every team.
“We know that calculated risks will be needed as the game goes on.”
US-born Kevin O’Toole was the bolter included in yesterday’s 25-man squad, as the New York FC left-sided player was drafted in as cover in the absence of Robbie Brady.
Josh Honohan of Shamrock Rovers was considered but not deemed sufficiently match-fit following his recent layoff.
Indonesia are interested in discussing their managerial vacancy with the former Iceland and Jamaica manager should he part ways with the FAI.
“Obviously, you think about the future but my focus is I’m going to stay here until next June because I still believe that we’ll qualify,” he vowed.
“I’m not letting anything else distract that because then I’m not doing my job.
“I’m optimistic but I’m also a realist. I’ll do the best I can and then the future tells what will happen.”