Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has praised fans of the national team for their continued support despite the team's lack of consistency throughout the year.
Hallgrimsson took over from Stephen Kenny in July and has seen four international windows go by.
Ireland claimed third place in their Nations League group, achieving impressive home and away victories against Finland, and finished behind England and Greece, who took first and second place, respectively.
In an end-of-year speech this week, Hallgrimsson praised the Irish fans for the support they have shown the players despite the lack of success.
"It is really special," Hallgrimsson said on the FAI website.
"Normally, support comes with success. So, success comes first, and then the support comes after. But here, this is how it should be.
"You support your national team in the good times and the bad times. I absolutely love it."
The Icelander has also claimed that he has never experienced support like this, because usually, the support dies off with poor results.
"It's so respectful how much support we're getting. It's something I haven't experienced before because normally, if you start doing badly, the support will vanish.
"The Irish people are a proud people, and they support their national team."
Ireland’s potential route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico was officially set this month. The Boys in Green were drawn in Group F alongside Hungary, Armenia, and either Portugal or Denmark.
Hallgrimsson also believes that Ireland can be confident when the first qualifiers take place next year.
"There is opportunity in that draw for sure. We played both of these opponents (Portugal and Hungary) in the summer and got the win over Hungary, but it's a good thing that it hasn't been long since we played them and played Armenia as well a few years back," added Hallgrimsson.
"It's good to have that knowledge of the opponents, and I think we can go with confidence against these teams."
Ireland’s Full Fixture List
- Saturday, September 6: Ireland v Hungary, Aviva Stadium, 7:45 pm
- Tuesday, September 9: Armenia v Ireland, Venue TBC, 5 pm (Irish time)
- Saturday, October 11: Portugal/Denmark v Ireland, Venue TBC, 7:45 pm (Irish time)
- Tuesday, October 14: Ireland v Armenia, Aviva Stadium, 7:45 pm
- Thursday, November 13: Ireland v Portugal/Denmark, Aviva Stadium, 7:45 pm
- Sunday, November 16: Hungary v Ireland, Venue TBC, 2 pm (Irish time)
