When Heimir Hallgrimsson took charge of the Republic of Ireland for the first time back in September, he inherited a team, in his opinion, that was lacking in confidence, and struggling by the weight of expectation from wearing the green jersey.
The tenure started with two defeats, however, by the time he took the squad on the road a month later, there were already signs that his involvement was having the desired effect.
Two wins against Finland either side of a decent performance in Athens over the next three games saw his reputation rise further, before a humiliating 5-0 defeat at Wembley threatened to erase the early efforts.
But the foundations were strong and held firm as Ireland bounced back with two more wins in March to draw a line under the Nations League and allow the manager to start to plot his assault on the goal of qualifying for the World Cup.
The season may be winding down, but World Cup preparations are ramping up as the summer international window brings the extended squad together to focus the minds on what is waiting in September and beyond.
"Compared to the past camps, it has been a pretty good one," said Hallgrimsson, in relation to the work that he has been doing with the squad, adding that there was a "positive environment" in Dublin this week.
"I would say we have taken a step [forward] both defensively and in attack," said the manager, when asked where the team have improved.
"We have tried to simplify things, some things we like to repeat all the time, some things the players are starting to understand, what to think when you win the ball, where to look.
"Our identity is clearer and clearer every camp, and we try to hammer that home."
A far cry from those early days with the weight-bearing jerseys, as the manager appears to have the squad exactly where he wants them, having introduced his own approach to the game, which was based around getting the basics right and sticking to the defined principles of both attack and defence.
"That's the most important thing in a national team, that the principles are 100%," he added.
"If you don’t have the basics, then details don’t matter. We try to hammer in the basics, in our principles defending, and our principles in attack.
"We see it when we analyse the game, show them the clips of the good things that are happening. It’s because they are thinking now more and more the same way."
The squad has changed little from the previous regime, and while there were issues with confidence and expectation, there is no doubt that the experience gained has worked to the new manager’s advantage with many of the new recruits thrown in at the deep end by Stephen Kenny are now emerging as key players for Hallgrimsson.
But the manager has also put huge emphasis on the senior players to lead this emerging team, and while Seamus Coleman has been struggling with injuries, others have stepped up.
Hallgrimsson was very quick to recognise the talent and experience that Robbie Brady could bring to the national team – John O’Shea had brought him back into the team during his interim manager’s role.
Remarkably, Brady did not see one minute of international football in 2023, however, he proved that he still has a lot to offer, repaying the manager almost immediately by popping up late in Helsinki to hand Hallgrimsson his first win at just his third attempt.
And Brady’s consistency back in green has been recognised by being named player of the year earlier this week.
"I have said it on many occasions, the importance of Robbie," said Hallgrimsson, speaking at the pre-match press conference.
"First of all, he is a good footballer, but for us with his experience, his knowledge, his character, his leadership skills.
"It is really important for us to have a player like him, because we have such a young squad that is lacking the experience we need to play on the big stage.
"We are really fortunate to have him. Doc (Matt Doherty) as well, similar age, similar experience, so all teams need quality players and leaders like him."
Brady last won the international award eight years ago when he was the hero of Euro 2016, bagging that memorable winner in Lille as Ireland beat Italy to qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament.
But he admits that this time around it is a lot more cherished, having come back from the wilderness to, once again, become a key player for his country.
"This one means a little bit more to me," said Brady, sitting alongside Hallgrimsson at the press conference in Dublin.
"In 2016, I was a lot younger and playing really well at the time. Not that I expected to win then, because I was in a really good team, but I was in really good form.
"To come back now, after a little time out, the group and staff have helped me to get back to a level where I feel comfortable. I am playing some good football at the minute, and really enjoying it, so it means a lot to me."
And Brady appears just as passionate about going back to the big stage to represent Ireland at a major tournament, with the fact that it is the World Cup this time around really whetting the appetite.
"You want to be involved in every tournament. We haven’t managed that over the last couple but this one coming around, we’ll all be fully focused.
"We know what it means to everybody. We know what a lift it will be give to the country, to go and qualify for a World Cup, and personally it would be absolutely incredible to go and play in a World Cup.
"It will be full steam ahead now come September, and get ourselves in the best shape we can and be prepared and ready to go."
Brady was quick to admit that time is catching with him and acknowledges that this could be his last chance to qualify, however, he stressed that he had never given up hope of playing for Ireland.
"Obviously, there are doubts around that time when you are not getting a call-up. I wasn’t fit at the time, but I knew if I could get myself fit and get back playing, the rest was down to me to perform.
"I don’t think you just forget how to play football, and I never lost belief that I could get myself back.
"I’m not getting any younger, but we’re looking forward to this tournament, we’ll be looking to start well and hopefully qualify.
"But yeah, I’ll be looking at this as probably the last, there are no secrets about it."
Watch Republic of Ireland v Senegal from 7pm Friday on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.
