Ireland host Finland in the Nations League on Thursday before facing England at Wembley on Sunday
Heimir Hallgrimsson is learning the words to 'Amhrán na bhFiann' as he feels it is important to sing the anthem. But the Icelander admits he will butcher it at times as it’s so difficult trying to get a grip of the Irish language.
England caretaker boss Lee Carsley faced a barrage of criticism last month over his decision not to sing ‘God Save The King’, having played for Ireland 40 times. But Carsley stressed how he never sang the Irish anthem either, and felt the whole matter drummed up by the British media was a storm in a teacup.
Hallgrimsson continued: “The national anthem is something you should take pride in learning, even though you are a foreigner you should learn it. Maybe not sing it as there's probably a word that is wrong! But it's a nation's pride to have the national anthem and I’m trying my best.” Hallgrimsson first floated this idea in Ireland when he was appointed but it was met with a mixed response from League of Ireland managers. The FAI’s tight budget has also been a stumbling block but Hallgrimsson isn’t taking no for an answer heading into the winter.
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