The key talking points: Can Ryan Manning step up for Ireland?

It's Hungary first up for Ireland in Dublin. 

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Republic of Ireland launch their World Cup qualification campaign against Hungry on Saturday. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA

The Republic of Ireland open their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday evening determined to end their wait for a return to the big stage.

Ireland last made the finals in 2002 and although they have qualified for Euro 2012 and 2016 in the meantime, the hunger to return to the top table is acute.