Hallgrimsson keeps Ireland fresh for Israel return
Heimir Hallgrimsson hopes his policy of shuffling Republic of Ireland's pack will ensure his players are raring to go when they face Israel in their final game of the international break on Monday (AEDT).
Ireland sits third in UEFA Nations League Group B3 with four points from its opening three games, having lost 1-0 to Kosovo, beaten Israel 3-0, then squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Austria on Friday (AEDT).
Troy Parrott scored twice for the Boys in Green last time out, with the first of his goals being an exceptional solo effort.
He was one of several big names to be withdrawn by Hallgrimsson in the latter stages of Friday's (AEDT) game, allowing Austria to play its way into the contest, but the 59-year-old insists those changes were necessary in order to keep everyone fresh for their next match.
"We need to think about this as a four-game window. Like we said in the beginning, we will rotate and we have been using our squad really well in these games," he said.
"We were always thinking about more than just that [Austria] game, but not on purpose – we didn't want to lose two goals in the end.
"But obviously, we had to think about the fact we are playing another game, both for players to avoid injuries and to be fit and fresh."
Ireland's draw with Austria was interrupted by protests relating to the staging of this Monday's (AEST) fixture – which will take place on neutral ground in Backa Topola, Serbia – and Hallgrimsson admits the extra scrutiny his team has faced during recent days has taken its toll.
But he hopes the experience of coming through a tough period will benefit Ireland in the long run.
"Surviving this camp, coming out of it together as one would be a massive win for me. That is coming from my heart," he said.
"After everything this team has gone through, the criticism, surviving as a group after this game would be a big win for me.
"As a coach, obviously having another three points would probably be more than I could have asked for before the camp, knowing what was to come.
"The most pleasing thing has been the togetherness and what they have done for each other. This bond of brothers will be stronger than others. All the obstacles we face in the future will be less."
