Denis Irwin: Greece clash is must-win for Kenny's Ireland

The former Manchester United defender has also heaped praise on young striker Evan Ferguson.

BIG GAME: Ireland can't afford to lose to Greece says Denis Irwin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Former international stalwart Denis Irwin has described Friday’s UEFA European Championship qualifier against Greece in Athens as a game the Republic of Ireland can ill-afford to lose.

Following a commendable performance in a 1-0 defeat at home to World Cup finalists France in March, Stephen Kenny’s men will be looking to establish their Group B credentials in the coming week. They welcome bottom seeds Gibraltar to the Aviva Stadium next Monday, but will hope to have some points on the board by then.