Seamus is not ready for this test

HALLGRIMSSON HAILS CAPTAIN AFTER WIELDING AXE

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

HEIMIR HALLGRIMSSON set his sights on World Cup 2026 last night and declared: 'This is it, now it gets serious'.

And the Ireland boss insists nothing - or nobody - is bigger than the goal of collecting points, after proving there's no room for sentiment by culling his captain.

Seamus Coleman has been left out of the squad for the opening two qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia and Hallgrimsson makes no apologies for it - not when there's no margin for error over a rapid three-month, six-game campaign.

Ireland's most recent World Cup and Euro qualifying campaigns were both over within two or three games, under Stephen Kenny.

Staying involved to the death - and by any means necessary - is Hallgrimsson's focus, at a minimum.

He's convinced Ireland will qualify.

"We went to Everton's training ground last Friday and spoke with our players there, and the coach, and he's close to playing," said Hallgrimsson of Coleman. "He's in their squad, his numbers and training are good, and he's eager to start. He really wants to come and help us, and he knows the importance of this camp.