Ireland team v Finland as Heimir Hallgrimsson makes four changes

Evan Ferguson, Finn Azaz, Josh Cullen and Liam Scales all come into the starting XI as Will Smallbone, Alan Browne, Jayson Molumby and Andrew Omobamidele drop out

By: irishmirror.ie

Oct 10 2024
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Ireland team v Finland as Heim

Heimir Hallgrimsson has made four changes to the Republic of Ireland team for their UEFA Nations League clash with Finland.

Evan Ferguson, Finn Azaz, Josh Cullen and Liam Scales all come into the starting XI as Will Smallbone, Alan Browne, Jayson Molumby and Andrew Omobamidele drop out from the side that started against Greece last time out.

The Boys in Green lost 2-0 to both England and Greece last month and fans, players, and management will be hoping for a much better performance in Helsinki.

Ahead of the game, Hallgrimsson stated that he feels his players are much more in tune with what he wants than they were for last month's matches.

“Honestly, I really feel much better in this camp, both in meetings, on the sessions, there's a higher tempo in what we are doing,” he said. “That would tell me that they are getting it better than last time and that’s understandable with a new coach, new things, etc.

“I feel better this camp. We had maybe five meetings, we are doing more talking than training. We need to be clear and ready with what we want, and don't overload the players with information. We need to find our ways to win, and once we do, hopefully we can keep on winning.”

Meanwhile, Finland boss Markku Kanerva admitted tonight's clash is a relegation decider, saying: “Ireland is a tough team. I think Ireland thinks the same way. To be able to stay in League B or to have chances to qualify to League A, they have to get three points.

“It’s going to be a very tight, even game. Small margins will play a huge role.”

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