John O’Shea says Evan Ferguson could still join the Ireland squad for their trip to Hungary after the Roma striker was ruled out of Thursday’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Portugal in Dublin.
Ferguson was initially included in the Ireland squad for both games but he has not recovered sufficiently from an ankle injury to feature against Portugal.
Celtic’s Johnny Kenny has been called up to replace Ferguson, while Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath has been drafted in for the injured Mark Sykes.
But O’Shea is not ruling out the possibility of Ferguson linking up with the squad for the Budapest fixture.
“Listen, let’s wait and see,” said the Ireland assistant manager. “We were hopeful for both games but the Portugal one is obviously going to come around too quick. We were fully aware it was going to be a close call, the boss spoke in terms of readying the squad on what was going to be needed if Evan didn’t make it.
“Obviously, Johnny’s coming in full of confidence on the back of that. But let’s wait and see [with regards to Evan]. Possibilities.”
O’Shea hopes Kenny can translate his recent club form – four goals in four games under Martin O’Neill – to the international stage.
“Martin has a great track record of giving that younger player, young hungry player, a chance. If Johnny’s doing everything right in training and getting the chance to show it in a game, it’s brilliant to see. He’s obviously in a good bit of form.”
Republic of Ireland Squad – Portugal/Hungary
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton)*, Kevin O’Toole (New York City)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion)*, Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Andrew Moran (LAFC), Jamie McGrath (Hibernian)
Attackers: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City FC), Johnny Kenny (Celtic), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir)
*Suspended for the first match against Portugal.
Fixtures – Fifa World Cup 26 qualifying
November 13th – Republic of Ireland v Portugal, Aviva Stadium. 7.45pm
November 16th – Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Puskas Arena, 2pm (Irish time)
