HEIMIR Hallgrimsson declared last July that he hoped to bring together a home-based Ireland team in the winter to assess League of Ireland players.
At the time, the Icelander said: “Even if it gives only one player or two players for the next Fifa national team window, it is worth it.”
His idea was coolly received by the clubs — who did not want players playing out of season — and by the cash-strapped FAI.
Ireland women’s manager Carla Ward had to clear it with her bosses that she could bring 24 rather than 23 players into her camp for last week’s games.
So a whole new men’s team was not financially viable.
But Shamrock Rovers’ Josh Honohan is in the Ireland squad for tonight’s game with Senegal and Tuesday’s match with Luxembourg.
Hallgrimsson could not bring a whole squad together for a look but he is a regular attendee on Friday nights and is doing his homework.
Honohan has the talent and ability to make his scouting ‘worth it’.
