IRELAND has more talent at its disposal than Iceland did when they reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
That is the view of new national-team boss Heimir Hallgrímsson who led his come country to the last eight of those European Championships, Ireland’s last appearance at a major finals.
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Iceland defeated England on their to the last eight before being outclassed by France, who had beaten Martin O’Neill’s side in the previous round.
And – at his official unveiling as Stephen Kenny’s successor – Hallgrímsson claimed he will have better options at his disposal.
The 57-year-old – who stepped down as Jamaica boss following their Copa America exit – said: “At the level they are playing at – I think everyone is more or less in the Premiership or Championship level.
“That’s a good level, probably better than at least Iceland, similar to Jamaica.
“I think in Jamaica we had a little bit more high profile players but, in general, players of this national team are playing at a very high level day in, day out. That is exciting.
“There’s young players as well, not playing yet. There is a lot of young players emerging so it’s exciting.”
He confirmed that he wanted interim boss John O’Shea as his assistant.
Hallgrímsson said: “After the announcement I just gave him a call. I wanted to touch base, introduce myself and he accepted the call.
“We decided we are going to meet some time this week for a coffee and just talk about football. I explained to him he would be my first choice if I would be the guy deciding but of course it’s his decision.
“For me as a foreigner it is really helpful to have an Irish coach that knows the culture, knows the players and he would be the perfect candidate in my opinion.
“Of course, him being the head coach for two camps, four games, I understand it’s difficult for him to now be assistant coach, it’s tough for him to make that decision.
“But I really wanted him to know that would be my first choice. I think for me it’s good, for the continuity of the national team, it’s really good.
“I know he’s a legend here so to have him around is also very important in so many ways. To have an Irish coach is good but of course to have a good coach is the most important.
“But to have him – I know he’s a good coach and a good person – would be ideal.”