Heimir Hallgrímsson makes two changes to Ireland team for World Cup qualifier in Armenia

Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson speaks with Chiedozie Ogbene during a Republic of Ireland training session at the AFF Technical Center Academy in Yerevan, Armenia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Heimir Hallgrímsson has made two changes to his Republic of Ireland team for their crucial World Cup qualifier in Armenia (kick-off 5pm)

Ireland know they need to win following their 2-2 draw at home to Hungary on Saturday.

And in an effort to achieve it, the Irelan manager has brought Chiedozie Ogbene and Jack Taylor in to replace Matt Doherty and the injured Sammie Szmodics.

Doherty is joined on the bench by uncapped Cork native Josh Honohan, who replaced Szmodics in the squad along with Adam Idah, who's late header earned Ireland a point against Hungary at the Aviva.

A win in Yerevan will take Ireland top of the group, temporarily at least with Hungary hosting Portugal, who won 5-0 in Armenia at the weekend, in Budapest at 7.45pm.

Stay tuned to our website with our liveblog set to begin at 4.30pm.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, O'Brien, O'Shea, Collins, Manning, Cullen, Knight, Taylor, Azaz, Ogbene, Ferguson.

Subs: Bazunu, Travers, Dunne, Scales, Lawal, Phillips, Doherty, Honohan, Johnston, McAteer, Idah, Kenny.