Evan Ferguson’s fourth international goal on the stroke of half-time proved the winner at the Aviva Stadium, with Kelleher making a string of saves including a double stop to keep out Joel Pohjanpalo’s penalty on 77 minutes.

Ireland, who face England at Wembley on Sunday, have avoided automatic relegation from League B but face a play-off in March against a runner-up from League C.

“I think in this game we were a little bit lucky,” Hallgrimsson said. “Finland two times hit the post, so it wasn’t all that pretty. At times it was too open for my sake and I think this group probably deserves a little luck – they have been unlucky for a long time.

“It was probably an entertaining 1-0 match. There were chances and a lot of set-pieces. Too many chances for my taste but it’s always nice to win.”

Hallgrimsson was pleased with aspects of Ireland’s play, especially in the first half, but admitted they almost paid the price for their lack of organisation when trying to press their visitors.

“It was a lovely goal and, especially in the first half, we hurt them on the wings moving the ball quickly and we could get the wingers in a one v one position – both Festy [Ebosele] and Mikey [Johnston] did a brilliant job there.

“We should have moved the ball a little bit more from side to side to use the advantage we had.”

“We did quite well with the ball, especially in the first half. We were a little unorganised or, I would say, over-ambitious in pressing. We just rushed and jumped too early.

“The energy was there, the enthusiasm was there, the fight was there. We were winning duels and they are factors that will help you win matches.

“We sometimes rotate and build with a back three. It gives the team an advantage on the ball when you can move players up and it’s good to have players who have this capability who can play two positions in one.

“We have players doing that in their clubs so it makes sense to do it.”

Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher celebrates after the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 clash with Finland. Photo: Sportsfile

Caoimhín Kelleher, meanwhile, was eager to focus on the positives, after Ireland show resilience to dig out the victory.

“In the first half we rode our luck at times, two off the post and good defending as well with some good blocks,” the Cork native said.

“You have to do that at times and thankfully we scored a great goal.

“Other than the penalty, there weren’t much chances in the second half so I think there are positives to take from that.

“As we’ve seen in the last few years, maybe we would have drawn or lost it so it definitely shows that the group is getting tighter and stronger. We’re managing games as well, which is important.

“At the end of the day, the result is the most important and clean sheets go a long way in helping that.”