ERLING LEARNING CENTRE

BY PAUL O’HEHIR

LAST Sunday night and Monday morning, deep conversations were taking place around the country as word hit home.

Parents with tickets for tonight’s Norway friendly were breaking the grim news to their kids – that Erling Haaland wouldn’t be playing after all.

The Manchester City superstar (right) was supposed to be the visitors’ star attraction, who the FAI were hoping would help put extra bums on seats at Aviva Stadium.

No doubt some of the children – and parents for that matter – were distraught because they wouldn’t get to see the world’s best player on current form strutting his stuff.

But others adopted a more pragmatic approach, having seen it for what it is – a boost for Ireland’s chances of winning.

The clock is ticking down to the opening Euro 2024 qualifier against France on March 27.

At the minute, Norway and Malta are the final prep for that campaign.

These are low key games considering all the focus is on the World Cup starting in Qatar this weekend. But a glimpse of a killer instinct and two wins in the bank would still set Ireland up nicely for their daunting task next year.

MIRROR SAYS: IRELAND 2-1 NORWAY