Republic of Ireland – Portugal: The Republic of Ireland will “wait and see” Ferguson’s readiness for the Hungary match

The Republic will be informed of the result of the other match in the group that includes Armenia and Hungary before the match against Portugal begins.

“It will have importance but in terms of how we approach the game, I don’t think it will matter much at first,” O’Shea explained.

“We have to focus on what we have to do against Portugal and get the result we need.

“they [the crowd] They have a huge influence on how we perform and the energy they can give us, but we have to help them with that, and we have to give them something to cheer about. It works both ways. “When we’re going in the same direction, it’s hard to stop.”

O’Shea described Thursday’s match with a European heavyweight as a “huge match.”

“We have to be consistent, we have to be aggressive, get rid of crosses, the usual things.

“It’s a World Cup qualifier at home against one of the top seeds.

“That’s why we do it. That’s why you’re in football because of these scenarios, to face a good opponent, but also to know that you can be part of a great victory for your country. So that’s the fundamental part behind it, that’s why we do it, that’s why we love it.”

Jimmy McGrath has also been called up by Hallgrimsson for the upcoming matches.

Hibernian midfielder McGrath will replace Bristol City’s Mark Sykes, who suffered a leg injury during last week’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

McGrath made his last appearance as a substitute in a 2-1 away win over Finland in October 2024.

Republic of Ireland squad update

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazuno (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Kevin O’Toole (New York).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jason Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Vin Azaz (Southampton), Connor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jamie McGrath (Hibernian), Andrew Moran (Los Angeles FC).

Attackers: Troy Parrott (Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Mickey Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion), Chidozie Ogbeni (Sheffield United), Feste Ebosele (Istanbul Basaksehir), Johnny Kenny (Celtic).