Heimir Hallgrímsson admits he was “proven wrong” by Séamus Coleman’s international revival which fuelled Ireland snaring next week’s World Cup playoff berth. Coleman’s inactivity at Everton convinced the Ireland manager to drop his captain for the start of the campaign but the 37-year-old started all four qualifiers upon his recall, culminating in November’s late victory over Hungary. “Let’s just make this easy - Séamus proved me wrong,” said Hallgrímsson when asked yesterday by the Irish Examiner why his selection criteria has altered. “I said I wanted to sign even after the (World Cup) tournament but there was big pressure from the association for me to sign before these playoff matches,” he explained. The striker’s ankle problem required surgery last week, the extent of which means unfortunately, like Josh Cullen, the World Cup will come too soon if Ireland progress.

Source: Irish Examiner March 20, 2026 10:30 UTC