Window of opportunity could open for League of Ireland players

The new Ireland manager is hoping to follow the Nordic model of a winter camp.

The Republic of Ireland do not play international matches between November and March, but it’s a tradition for Nordic countries to have senior friendly games in January, using home-based players.

Crucially, caps are awarded for the matches.

Last January, Hallgrimsson’s native Iceland played two senior internationals in Florida using players from the domestic league. Twelve months earlier they had a two-game series in Portugal.

Sweden and Finland also use the same model, as do Estonia.

And while a cash-strapped FAI will have to be convinced about the value of such a trip for an Irish side made up of League of Ireland footballers and younger players, Hallgrimsson is sure the idea has merit.

“First, to improve the League of Ireland, to have the possibility of going from the league to the national team will probably help the league,” Hallgrimsson explained.

“We did that in Iceland. What we did there was we played outside Fifa windows for national team matches. For example, in January we went for a camp, to Asia, or the US, that was a possibility for domestic players to play in these games, so recognising the best talent.

“I think for this league, which is finished in November, December-January would be perfect. Players are coming from their season. Instead of taking a long break, they have the possibility of going for the national team.

“Plus, it would give us a chance to look at younger players, playing in academies, maybe two or three younger players. I have mentioned it [to the FAI].

“There’s the knowledge from Iceland. We did it in Jamaica as well. I think it helps the league. Even if it would only give us one or two players for the next international window, it’s worth it. That has always been my philosophy on this one.”

Stephen Kenny called up a number of home-based players during his time as Ireland manager, but only Jack Byrne of Shamrock Rovers was capped.

Other League of Ireland players such as Graham Burke, Aaron McEneff, James Talbot, Danny Mandroiu and Jonathan Afolabi did not get game time, while Neil Farrugia and Brian Maher took part in training camps.

It also remains to be seen how club bosses would view players missing pre-season to go away with Ireland.