Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has hailed the Irish support as "something he has never experienced before" as he reflects on his first campaign in charge of the Ireland national team. 

Hallgrímsson, who was appointed MNT Head Coach in July, has enjoyed a great relationship with supporters since he joined the association and led the team through their UEFA Nations League campaign. 

Ireland secured third spot in the group with impressive victories home and away against Finland, and finished behind England and Greece in first and second spot respectfully. 

Hallgrímsson reflected on the Irish support and remarked how special both the home and away support is for the Ireland national team, despite the last few years of difficult results. 

"It is really special," said Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson. 

"Normally, support comes with success. So, success comes first and then the support comes after. But here, this is how it should be. 

"You support your national team. In the good times and the bad times. I absolutely love it. 

"It's so respectful how big of a support we're getting. It's something I haven't experienced before because normally, if you start doing badly, the support will vanish. 

"The Irish people are a proud people and they support their national team."

Last week, Ireland were drawn against Portugal or Denmark, Hungary and Armenia in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying Group F as the path to the finals tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico is confirmed. 

Ireland will start their campaign at home to Hungary on Saturday, September 6th, with kick-off at 7.45pm and Hallgrímsson believes there is opportunity to qualify in the draw having played some of the teams very recently. 

"There is opportunity in that draw for sure. We played both of these opponents (Portugal and Hungary) in the summer and got the win over Hungary but it's a good thing that it isn't long since we played them, and played Armenia as well a few years back," continued Hallgrímsson. 

"It's good to have that knowledge of the opponents and I think we can go with confidence against these teams."

Before the FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying campaign gets underway in September, there is the business of the UEFA Nations League play-off against Bulgaria in March as Ireland look to retain their Group B status. 

Ireland will be backed by a large travelling support in Plovdiv in March and Hallgrímsson is already looking forward to the challenge and being backed by that passionate Irish away support. 

"It will be good games against Bulgaria, a good test for the World Cup games in September as well," said Hallgrímsson. 

Hopefully we get all of the support that we normally do for both matches in the Aviva and the thousand or two thousand travelling to Bulgaria! And actually, you can get cheap dental care in Bulgaria so you can double up!"

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