Republic of Ireland’s Strategy for World Cup Qualifier Amid Injury Concerns

Evan Ferguson has been instrumental for the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring three out of the team’s four goals thus far.

As the Republic prepares for their World Cup qualifier against Hungary this Sunday, they will take a cautious approach regarding Ferguson’s availability, having been ruled out of Thursday’s match against Portugal in Dublin due to an ankle injury.

In Ferguson’s absence, in-form Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has been brought into the squad to provide cover. Kenny has been performing impressively since Martin O’Neill took over as interim manager at Celtic, netting four goals recently.

John O’Shea, the Republic’s assistant head coach, commented on Ferguson’s situation, stating, “Let’s wait and see. We were hopeful for both games, but the Portugal match is coming too soon.” He expressed confidence in Kenny’s capabilities, given his recent good form and the promise shown by young players under O’Neill’s guidance.

The Republic of Ireland enters this double-header currently positioned third in Group F, trailing group leaders Portugal by six points and sitting one point behind Hungary.

After a disappointing start with a draw against Hungary and subsequent defeats to Armenia and Portugal, the team achieved a home victory over Armenia. O’Shea reflected on the challenging loss to Portugal, noting that despite the heartache of conceding a last-minute goal, there were positive aspects to build upon, particularly in the team’s defensive performance.

“We need to maintain the same discipline and concentration against a very attack-minded Portuguese team,” O’Shea emphasized, as the Republic looks to leverage home advantage at the Aviva Stadium.

The outcome of another group match between Armenia and Hungary will be known before the Republic’s kick-off against Portugal, which O’Shea acknowledged might influence their strategy. “We must concentrate on our approach to the game against Portugal to secure a necessary result,” he explained, underlining the importance of crowd support in energizing the team.

Describing Thursday’s match as a “massive game,” O’Shea stressed the need for the team to be tight and aggressive against a top-seeded opponent.

In addition, Jamie McGrath has been called up to replace Mark Sykes, who suffered a leg injury during last week’s defeat to Blackburn Rovers. McGrath last represented the Republic as a substitute in an away victory against 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).