English Premier League striker could switch his international allegiance to Ireland

'He looks like he is far away from England'

The nation Hallgrimsson manages came agonisingly close to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup last week, losing a play-off first leg against Czechia after surrendering a two goal lead away in Prague.

Despite the setback, missing out on the country's first World Cup in more than 20 years, Hallgrimsson already has an eye on future tournaments, and bolstering his ranks with a prolific new striker.

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As reported in the Irish Independent, Hallgrimsson and assistant John O'Shea have not completely given up hope on tempting Liam Delap to switch his allegiance from England to Ireland.

Although Delap has represented England on multiple youth levels, his father — former Stoke City long throw-in expert Rory— played for Ireland.

Responding to a question, the Irish manager said: “It’s a decision that is still just his.

“He [Liam Delap] hasn’t played for England and it doesn’t look like he is going to the World Cup. He looks like he is far away from that.

"But, again, it is his decision.”

After an impressive debut Premier League season with newly-promoted Ipswich, Delap joined Chelsea in a deal worth £30 million last summer.

In a campaign that has been affected by injury, and the disruption of Enzo Maresca's January departure, Delap has so far failed to repeat his impressive Ipswich form, and is still a long way off earning a spot in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.

This could open the door for Ireland, should the 23-year-old desire to play international football immediately.