Fighting talk from Iceland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson as he challenges Ireland players to match Finland’s physicality

Iceland boss says he was 'angry' after defeat to Finland with Ireland next up in UEFA Nations League

Republic of Ireland travel to Iceland on Tuesday looking for their first UEFA Nations League win of the campaign

Iceland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has called on his players to match Finland’s physicality when they face the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday.

Hallgrimsson was left frustrated by his team’s performance in their 1-0 defeat to Finland on Saturday and has warned his players that they will need to be more physical if they want to get a result against Ireland.

"I was angry after the game against Finland," said Hallgrimsson. "We were not physical enough and we did not win enough second balls. We need to be much better in those areas against Ireland."

Ireland will be looking to bounce back from their own 3-0 defeat to Wales in their opening Nations League game.

Manager Stephen Kenny is expected to make changes to his team, with Callum Robinson and James McClean both in contention to start.

Ireland have a good record against Iceland, winning four of their last five meetings.

However, Hallgrimsson is confident that his team can get a result if they perform to their potential.

"Ireland are a good team, but we are at home and we will be looking to win," said Hallgrimsson.

"We need to be physical, we need to be organised and we need to take our chances.

“If we do that, then I am confident that we can get a good result."

The match between Iceland and the Republic of Ireland will kick off at 7.45pm on Tuesday at the Laugardalsvollur Stadium in Reykjavik.