Heimir Hallgrimsson not ruling out midfield role for Nathan Collins in Bulgaria

Nathan Collins could be deployed as a midfielder in Bulgaria next week, with Heimir Hallgrimsson refusing to scrap the experiment.

The Brentford defender was a surprise midfield choice in Ireland’s 5-0 drubbing by England in November, and only reverted to centre-back when Liam Scales was sent off.

Hallgrimsson is not ruling out throwing the curve ball for a second time, in Thursday’s Nations League promotion-relegation playoff in Plovidiv.

“Yes, I can see that,” said the Ireland boss last night, when asked about Collins playing in midfield again. "I think he did really well in the first half at Wembley. Of course it was new for him and definitely we could try it in the future.

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“We have a lot of centre backs playing at a high level, so it’s also good to have the best players on the pitch to try something different. It’s good, it’s a good option. It gives us another dimension.”

Jake O’Brien, Dara O’Shea, newcomer James Abankwah, Jimmy Dunne, Matt Doherty, Callum O’Dowda and Robbie Brady are the other defenders named in the squad.

Hallgrimsson said: “Liam Scales is both injured and suspended for the first game, so we have to leave him out. It gives us a chance to call in James Abankwah, an exciting player who has been playing really well for Watford of late, and Man of the Match on a couple of occasions. He has really impressed us, so it gives us a chance to bring him in and see what he can do in our environment.

“Dara and Nathan are playing every minute for their clubs and Jake O’Brien has been impressive for Everton since being asked to play the right-back position.”

With Seamus Coleman omitted due to his lack of games following injury, Matt Doherty is also vying for the right-back role with Robbie Brady in pole position for left-back.

Meanwhile, Hallgrimsson confirmed that Ireland will play two friendlies in June as preparation for the World Cup qualifying campaign starting in September.

One of the games will be at home, the other away, but while close to revealing the opposition, the FAI are not over the line just yet so an announcement is due soon. Hallgrimsson added: “I know who they are against but it is not official and somebody would not be happy if I told you. But it’s looking pretty good.”

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