Collins reveals Ronaldo’s unsavoury action after late Portugal win over Ireland last month

Ronaldo had missed a penalty in Portugal’s win over Ireland in October

It has been revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo sought out Ireland defender Jake O’Brien to goad him after Portugal’s late win over Ireland last month.

After seeing a penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, Ronaldo’s side earned a stoppage-time victory thanks to Ruben Neves’ header in Lisbon.

With Portugal coming to the Aviva on Thursday night, O’Brien’s team-mate Nathan Collins was speaking to the media and revealed who Ronaldo goaded after the late victory, with replays not picking up the incident.

“It was Jake O’Brien, not me. I guess he was frustrated that he didn’t score himself potentially, I didn’t see it. I only seen it afterwards, I didn’t really understand why, I don’t know.”

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Ireland need a result at the Aviva to keep their slim World Cup hopes alive, before going to Hungary on Sunday to finish off what has been a mixed but overall disappointing campaign. 

Collins, whose Brentford side are on fine form under fellow Irishman Keith Andrews, highlighted the fact his friendship with Kelleher, also Brentford’s goalkeeper, is a huge positive.

Collins said:  “The fact me and Caoimh can create a relationship at both club level and country, I think it’s very positive.

“He’s in great form, he’s an unbelievable top keeper so to have him behind you is always confidence and allows me to do what I need to do.

“It should hopefully bring more confidence in with us when we go to games like Thursday because we have played together so much.”