Confident Irish boss convinced World Cup chance still on despite laboured struggle to see off a ten-man Armenia ranked 103rd in rankings

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, left, and Seamus Coleman after their side's victory

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, left, and Seamus Coleman after their side’s victory

Heimir Hallgrimsson remains convinced that Ireland can somehow still negotiate a passage towards the next World Cup despite another evening which seemed to indicate such optimism remains hopelessly mis-placed.

While his side laboured to a thoroughly unconvincing win against 103rd ranked Armenia – who were reduced to ten men in the 51st minute after their captain lost his head by throwing it at Finn Azaz – Hungary produced a remarkable late salvo to nick a 2-2 draw in Lisbon.