The Republic of Ireland will take a “wait and see” approach over Evan Ferguson’s availability for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Hungary after the Roma striker was ruled out of Thursday’s home game with Portugal (19:45 GMT) because of an ankle injury.
Celtic forward Johnny Kenny was added to the squad on Monday as cover for Ferguson. The 22-year-old has been in good form under interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, scoring four times, while Ferguson has scored three of Ireland’s four goals in qualifying so far. Ferguson will continue his rehabilitation in the hope he can be available for the second match of the international window.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side enter the double-header third in Group F, six points behind leaders Portugal and one behind Hungary. O’Shea said the Portugal match came around quickly and his staff had been aware Ferguson’s status was going to be a close call.
“Let’s wait and see. We were hopeful for both games but the Portugal one is going to come round too quick,” Ireland assistant head coach John O’Shea said. He praised Kenny’s confidence and O’Neill’s track record of giving young players chances: “If Johnny’s doing everything right in training and getting the chance to show it in the games, it’s brilliant to see. He’s obviously in a good bit of form.”
Ireland’s campaign so far has produced a draw with Hungary, a disappointing away defeat to Armenia, an injury-time loss in Portugal and a home win over Armenia. O’Shea described conceding to Ruben Neves in stoppage time in Portugal as “gut-wrenching,” but stressed there were positives to take from the performance.
“I thought the team as a unit and the defence in particular did brilliantly in the duels and the crosses that we had to deal with,” he said. He added that the Aviva Stadium and the home crowd’s energy could be influential: “They have a massive effect on how we perform and the energy they can give us, but we have to help them with that, we have to give them something to cheer about.”
O’Shea outlined the focus for the Portugal game: be tight, aggressive, clear crosses and maintain discipline and concentration against a very attack-minded team. He called the fixture “a massive game,” saying it’s what international football is about — facing high-quality opposition with the opportunity for a memorable result.
Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath has also been called up, replacing Bristol City’s Mark Sykes, who suffered a gash to his leg during Bristol’s 1-0 defeat by Blackburn Rovers. McGrath last featured as a substitute in a 2-1 win at Finland in October 2024.
Updated Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (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 City)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jamie McGrath (Hibernian), Andrew Moran (Los Angeles FC)
Attackers: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (Istanbul Basaksehir), Johnny Kenny (Celtic)
