Coleman: Ireland 'in transition'

Ireland have only managed to attain one victory since their 5-1 aggregate defeat to Denmark in World Cup qualifying last year, this came in a dead rubber friendly match with the United States in June. 

Now, on the eve of the side's return to Denmark, captain Seamus Coleman has insisted the squad are currently enduring a 'transition period', and as such, wins may be hard to come by. 

Up first for Martin O'Neill's struggling outfit is a local derby with Northern Ireland, in a must-win Nations League match for both sides. 

Captain Coleman is confident that positive results are on the horizon, earmarking the next two games as momentum builders, before EURO 2020 qualifying gets underway next year. 

The Everton right back told the assembled media: "We've played some good teams in the last year, but no secret about it, we're not happy with some of the results and performances. Robbie Brady is back out there which is a great boost for us, and we're starting to bring in some new players."

He continued: "There has been a bit of a transition period. It will take some time and that's why we're hoping we can have two positive results or performances this week going into the Qualifiers on a positive note."

Ireland's struggles in front of goal as of late have only quickened their downward slump. Martin O'Neill's goal shy side have only scored 5 goals in their last 9 matches. 

Nevertheless, Coleman insists that it is the player's responsibility to turn around their own fortunes, starting with a group effort in front of goal. 

The full back acknowledged that, players like Ireland Icon Robbie Keane do not come around often for smaller countries, and as such, the goal scoring must be shared around the whole squad. 

Coleman concluded by stating: "Look, Robbie Keane doesn't come around all the time, that was a special talent for us as a country. Now, at the moment, we are going to have to share the goals around the team, it's something we have to take responsibility for, the midfield players, the strikers."