Republic of Ireland Men’s National Team Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has hailed the impact of the ongoing training camp in Murcia, Spain, noting that the extended time on the grass is helping players take an "extra step" in their international careers.

The squad is currently fine-tuning preparations ahead of Saturday’s international friendly against Grenada at the Estadio Nueva Condomina. Speaking from the team’s training base, Hallgrímsson highlighted that the isolated environment and the unique eight-day lead-up to the match have allowed for a level of technical coaching that is rarely possible during a standard international window.

"The biggest advantage of a camp like this is that you can find one, two, or three players that you think more positively of in the future," Hallgrímsson explained. "It gives them a chance to show what they can do in a really good environment.

"Because we have an eight-day lead-up to the match, you can work more with the individual technically than you would do in a normal camp. In a normal window, you have two or three days to prepare, which is more or less team-building and tactical work. 

"Now, we’ve had a chance with our analyst team to work technically with players to help them take that extra step, both in their careers and for us as well."

Finneran’s First Impression

One player who has made an immediate impact since arriving in Spain is 18-year-old Rory Finneran. The Newcastle United midfielder was a late addition to the squad following injuries elsewhere, and Hallgrímsson credited Under-21 Head Coach Jim Crawford for identifying Finneran’s readiness for the senior environment.

"That was more Jim calling the shots there; he talked really highly of this kid and his potential," Hallgrímsson said. 

"We thought it was a good chance for him to come in and Newcastle allowed him to be with us. He only came in yesterday, but we’ve seen him in two sessions now and he’s been really good."

Focus and Discipline

Despite the camp taking place at the end of a gruelling domestic season for many of the players, the Head Coach admitted he has been pleasantly surprised by the professional standard maintained by the group.

"I love the focus of the players," said the Head Coach. "It’s an off-season camp and there is a relaxed kind of atmosphere, so that’s what has surprised me the most—how focused and disciplined they have been in what we have been doing.

"We have a limited number of players, which has allowed for that individual focus. It’s a selfish thought behind it as well; we want to improve them, and it’s been a totally different kind of camp, more individual-based than team-based."

Ireland will play a behind-closed-doors match against Real Murcia ‘B’ on Tuesday before facing Grenada on Saturday evening.

Fixture Details
Ireland v Grenada
International Friendly
Saturday, May 16 | KO 5pm (6pm local)
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia