O’Neill: Bring on Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to start against Ireland but he’s still to the forefront of Martin O’Neill’s mind.

Portugal are unlikely to risk their key man for the full 90 minutes ahead of next Monday’s opening game against Germany as he struggles to prepare fully for the World Cup, constrained by an obscure knee injury.

But for O’Neill, the Republic of Ireland’s long-term development under the still relatively new management team will be better aided by the chance to measure up against one of the greatest players of the modern era.