Heimir Hallgrimsson could still look into the past while plotting for future glory
Ireland’s Sammie Szmodics during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in September. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
The long countdown to the biggest games of an Irish generation is a form of agony for those hanging on the outcome but at least it’s better to the more familiar feeling of looking ahead to the next campaign from this remove.
World Cup play-off involvement in March means that Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has proper short-term scouting business to do across January and February rather than analysing the bigger picture.