Green shoots have fans daring to dream again

The tide is slowly turning. As an avid Republic of Ireland supporter, that is the way I feel following the most recent international window.

Two weeks ago, I travelled to Bulgaria for the UEFA Nations League B/C promotion/relegation play-off encounter in Plovdiv. Having spent one night in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia and two in Plovdiv, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of my stay in the Balkan Peninsula.

On the pitch, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side demonstrated professionalism and a bit of extra quality compared to their opponents to remain in ‘League B’ following a 4-2 aggregate win over two legs.

Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz was the beneficiary of the March window. The attacking midfielder brought his impressive club form into the green jersey, picking up the ball in threatening pockets while providing and contributing a goal and an assist in the two games.

Up front, Troy Parrott is becoming more established at international level thanks to his game time at AZ Alkmaar, while Evan Ferguson, who has lacked minutes while on loan at West Ham United, will find confidence from finding the net with a neat finish in Dublin.

Jake O’Brien’s impact for Everton is another positive for the national team while rejuvenated Wolves full-back Matt Doherty is also starting week in, week out in the English top-flight.

Midfield continues to be a glaring issue in this team, however, and although Josh Cullen did provide an assist in the 2-1 first leg victory over Bulgaria, you get the impression that he and Jason Knight would struggle against the stronger nations.

All in all, the signs are improving compared to the Stephen Kenny days. Hallgrímsson approaches the game as he sees fit. Momentum brings belief and since the Icelandic manager has taken over, he has a 50% win percentage, including winning four of the last six international fixtures. Bear in mind, two of his eight games have been against a star-studded English side.

The Boys in Green will come up against Portugal, Hungary and Armenia in this year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The qualifiers begin in September with a home encounter against a Hungarian side led by Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. A few days later, Ireland take on Armenia away from home.

With a bit of luck, the Boys in Green will be fighting for a second-place playoff position. One can dream of a night similar to Germany at home in 2015 when Cristiano Ronaldo and co play in the Aviva Stadium later this year.

Hallgrímsson has brought a more effective approach in the short time he has been in charge. He also speaks well with the media and tells it how it is. The next international window is in June when the Boys in Green will test themselves against Senegal in Dublin, in what will be another chance for Hallgrímsson and John O’Shea to cement their team ahead of the qualifiers.

Irish fans are praying for their first major tournament since 2016. It might not happen next year, but with a crop of youthful and talented players on our side, it can’t be too far away.