It is much more difficult to be successful in football than it is in rugby

MIRACLE WORKER HEIMIR NEEDS SUPPORTERS TO GET BEHIND HIM

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WHO would be a manager?

Heimir Hallgrimsson is approaching his first anniversary as Ireland boss.

And with people now harder than ever to please, 'end of season' friendlies do not seem to have excited many people.

That's a shame because pulling on that green jersey should always mean everything to every player.

And if the greatest supporters in the world cannot get excited about Ireland going toe-to-toe with an exceptional Senegalese team, then I would be deeply concerned.

The Lions of Teranga are a fascinating team who I cannot wait to watch.

And despite the fact that Sadio Mane is unavailable, the presence of Premier League stars such as Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Pape Sarr and Idrissa Gueye highlights their strength-in-depth.

Those players will provide a stern test for Ireland and their likeable manager Hallgrimsson.

Yes, the Icelandic chap has a dream job, but it is also a difficult one.

These days managers get criticised no matter what. Expectations are high and have been since Jack Charlton raised the bar.

That is why it is so important for any Irish manager to create a style that gets results and organises a team that maximises the available talent.

We know it is unlikely we will ever be the best team in the world and yet for years we have proudly claimed we have the best supporters.