The clever psychological tricks which could send Ireland to first World Cup in 24 years
Troy Parrott holds the key as Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson looks to conjure up another memorable away-day triumph in Prague on Thursday night
The Irish players had only got back to Dublin this week when all of the emotion from Hungary came flooding back. You can see it in the smiles, the readiness. Some of it is just being among the squad again, with the World Cup now in sight.
Some of it is what Heimir Hallgrimsson has already said to them this week, before an initial play-off away to Czech Republic. The four-month wait since Troy Parrott ’s heroics have at least allowed a manager as measured as the Icelandic a lot of time to think about this week of weeks for Ireland , and he’s long known what he’s going to say to his squad and when - as well as what his tactical approach will be. It was similar with the calculated team talk just before Ireland got on the team bus for that late 3-2 win over Hungary, which set off the wave they are now looking to surf all the way to the World Cup.
Troy Parrott celebrates his stoppage-time winner against Hungary which sent Ireland to the play-offs (AFP via Getty Images) The players had been sitting in the meeting room for a fair few minutes, and there was still no sight of Hallgrimsson. A tension was building. Then, moments before leaving, Hallgrimsson appeared.
“What are you looking at me for,” he said. “It’s up to you now. ” Message more than received.
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