Souness advises Heimir to prepare for unexpected

No.

- Derek FOLEY

It’s the games in Mexico, America and Canada that will be remembered, they won't remember how you got there.“So get there, by any means, play to your assets, play to your strengths.”

Moreover, Ireland fans needn't necessarily worry about the idea there won't be any Premier League players across the midfield or up front.

“No, they shouldn't,” insists the former Liverpool star, “because the Championship is a strong league, it is a difficult one to play in. Ireland can mirror Scotland, you know. So Scotland always had big players from the old English first Division, we've got John McGinn at the minute and I'm trying to think who else plays regularly with a big Premier team in England.

“We've got a couple playing for Napoli, including Scott McTominay, although I'm not sure how good Serie A is right now.

“And over the last recent history Scotland has not had top players that would just simply qualify for these major competitions, maybe Ireland is the same.”

He adds: “It’s not forever, that won't be forever, because the cycle continues. That's just how the game has evolved for both Ireland and Scotland. Maybe in a decade's time you could have half a dozen players playing Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool, Man City, you just never know.”