Republic of Ireland: ‘We’re too derogatory’ – John O’Shea calls for better support for struggling team

Having fallen to England and Greece at home last month, former Iceland boss Hallgrimsson is hoping to avoid becoming the first Republic of Ireland manager to lose his first three games in charge.

In addition to Doherty and Robinson, Hallgrimsson also cut Everton defender Jake O’Brien and Sunderland midfielder Alan Brown from his squad while handing a first call-up to Luton Town defender Mark McGuinness.

And while O’Shea insists there remains an emphasis on delivering positive results, the desire to see “new combinations” was a factor in squad selection for this month’s window.

“We are fully focused on getting good results against Finland and Greece,” added the former Manchester United defender, who was interim boss for four games before Hallgrimsson’s appointment in July.

“You could say it is brave [to leave out established players] but it is a development in terms of what we’re looking for the group. We need to get a competitive, settled squad, but also knowing there is an option there to take it, can you take it?” O’Shea said.

“The balance needs to be struck over the next couple of games in particular. But then, when you see the [World Cup] draw, we know we have a healthy, competitive squad that leads to us being competitive in qualifying.”