Ireland fear losing star striker Evan Ferguson for World Cup showdown in Portugal

"Ferguson had an ankle problem on Thursday and is still not fully fit," said Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini on Sunday.

INJURY DOUBT: Roma’s Evan Ferguson in action. Pic: ©INPHO/Giuseppe Fama.

Ireland are grappling with the prospect of losing primary striker Evan Ferguson for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Portugal through injury.

Ferguson was a rare positive from last month’s window, scoring against both Hungary and Armenia despite Ireland collecting just one point from the opening qualifiers.