Hallgrimsson says rotation has kept Ireland fresh for Israel rematch
Heimir Hallgrimsson hopes his rotation policy will leave Ireland fresh for Sunday's meeting with Israel, after his side surrendered a two-goal lead against Austria.
Ireland sit third in Nations League Group B3 with four points from their opening three games. A 1-0 defeat to Kosovo was followed by a 3-0 win over Israel, before Thursday's 2-2 draw with Austria.
Troy Parrott scored both of Ireland's goals against Austria, opening with an exceptional solo effort. The Real Betis forward now has nine goals in his last six competitive internationals.
Parrott was among several leading players withdrawn by Hallgrimsson in the latter stages against Austria, who played their way back into the contest. The 59-year-old coach defended those changes as necessary preparation for the final match of the international break.
“We need to think about this as a four-game window. Like we said in the beginning, we will rotate and we have been using our squad really well in these games,” he said.
“We were always thinking about more than just that [Austria] game, but not on purpose – we didn't want to lose two goals in the end.
“But obviously, we had to think about the fact we are playing another game, both for players to avoid injuries and to be fit and fresh.”
Sunday's match against Israel will take place on neutral ground in Backa Topola, Serbia. Protests relating to the staging of that fixture interrupted Ireland's draw with Austria, and Hallgrimsson acknowledged that the scrutiny surrounding his team in recent days had taken its toll.
He hopes, however, that coming through a difficult camp together will strengthen the squad in the longer term.
“Surviving this camp, coming out of it together as one would be a massive win for me. That is coming from my heart.”
“After everything this team has gone through, the criticism, surviving as a group after this game would be a big win for me,” he said.
“As a coach, obviously having another three points would probably be more than I could have asked for before the camp, knowing what was to come.
“The most pleasing thing has been the togetherness and what they have done for each other. This bond of brothers will be stronger than others. All the obstacles we face in the future will be less.”
