Ireland to welcome full houses for Portugal qualifier and New Zealand autumn international

Ireland are already out of the running to clinch a World Cup playoff spot but the attraction of the top seeds, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch, ensures demand will be high

An Ireland supporter celebrates a goal during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Qatar at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

The FAI will get a much-needed financial injection with confirmation of a 51,000 full house for the World Cup qualifier against Portugal at Aviva Stadium on November 11.

Covid-19 had prevented fans attending the stadium for 22 months up until last month’s double-header against Azerbaijan and Serbia. As with last week’s friendly against Qatar, a restriction of 50% capacity was applied.