John Fallon: Portugal’s depth of talent puts Ireland’s task in context

Speculation in the final days of the transfer window won’t distract Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo from his intention of gorging Ireland in the pursuit of a record-breaking 110th international goal

Speculation in the final days of the transfer window won’t distract Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo from his intention of gorging Ireland in the pursuit of a record-breaking 110th international goal. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, Pool)

At lunchtime tomorrow, the sight of two squads being released in Lisbon and Dublin could be enough for Irish fans to lose their appetite.

Running a finger down a page or screen, scanning the list of players called up by Portugal and Ireland for next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Faro, might be ill-advised with a sandwich of soup awaiting one’s delectation.