Heimir Hallgrímsson battles to get the ball on the ground and return focus to Kosovo clash

“T he Taoiseach Micheál Martin has defended you and your comments while at the United Nations.”

So began the first question at Wednesday’s press conference with Heimir Hallgrímsson in Pristina. Fair to say it’s a departure from the standard opening gambit at these controlled media interactions. “So, Heimir ... any knocks?”

Sunday’s game against Israel isn’t so much casting a shadow on Ireland’s preparations to face Kosovo as it is entirely blotting out the sun. Hallgrímsson responded to the first question with a weary thanks for all of the support he has received, adding that it was not his finest moment of leadership to create headlines that distracted from the football task at hand.