Team News: Heimir Hallgrímsson names Ireland side for crucial Hungary clash

LEADING THE LINE: Ireland's Evan Ferguson ahead of the match. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

Heimir Hallgrímsson has named his Republic of Ireland side for their crucial World Cup qualification opener against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium.

The team was officially announced just under an hour and a half before kick off in Dublin.

And in his starting 11, Hallgrímsson has gone for Caoimhin Kelleher in goal with what looks like a back four consisting of Jake O'Brien, Dara O'Shea, captain Nathan Collins and Matt Doherty at left back.

In midfield, Josh Cullen and Jason Knight look set to sit deep with Sammie Szmodics, Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning just ahead of them.

And leading the line on his own will be Roma's in form striker Evan Ferguson.

Ireland have plenty of pace on the bench if needed with Chiedozie Ogbene joined by Adam Idah, Mickey Johston, and Kasey McAteer, in particular.

As for Hungary, Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai returns to his more familiar central midfield role despite starring for the Reds at right back while his clubmate Milos Kerkez, normal at left back, has been listed by Uefa as playing at right full against Ireland. Time will tell all. 

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Doherty; Cullen, Knight; Szmodics, Azaz, Manning; Ferguson.

Subs: Bazunu, Travers, Dunne, Scales, Lawal, Phillips, Taylor, McAteer, Johnston, Ogbene, Idah, Kenny.

Hungary: Dibusz; Kerkez, Szalai, Orban, Nego; Styles; Sallai, Szoboszlai, A Toth, Bolla; Varga.

Subs: Balazs Toth, Szappanos, Osvath, Mocsi, Szalai, Vitalis, Barna Toth, Gruber, Dardai, Lukacs, Nagy, Otvos.