Evan Ferguson expected to be fit for Portugal clash

Doubts surfaced about Ferguson's availability when AS Roma reported an ankle injury kept him out of Sunday’s win over Fiorentina.

The results of a scan undertaken over the weekend indicate Evan Ferguson will be recovered in time. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Evan Ferguson is expected to be fit to feature on Saturday as Ireland attempt to revive their World Cup campaign against top seeds Portugal at José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon (7.45pm).

Doubts surfaced about the striker’s availability for the double-header, that includes a rematch against Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday week, when AS Roma reported an ankle injury kept him out of Sunday’s win over Fiorentina.

However, the forward who has scored in his last three competitive games for Ireland reported with the rest of the Ireland squad on Monday ahead of their first training session on Tuesday.

The results of a scan undertaken over the weekend indicate the 20-year-old will be recovered in time to lead the line against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in Portugal’s first home match of the campaign. They sit top of the pool after wins on the road against Armenia (4-0) and Hungary (3-2).

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has granted Dundee United left-back Will Ferry his maiden call-up.

He replaces Callum O’Dowda, the Ferencváros defender who was last week recalled before being injured in Thursday’s Europa League win away to Genk.

It’s understood Corkman Josh Honohan was considered for a recall but an injury sustained for Shamrock Rovers in Sunday’s FAI Cup semi-final victory over Kerry quashed that option.

Ipswich Town’s Sammie Szmodics is also ruled out, leaving the squad at 23 players.

Hallgrímsson admits Ireland require a miracle to reach next year’s World Cup after they followed up a 2-2 draw at home to Hungary by losing 2-1 away to Armenia. A minimum target of two wins from the last four games could salvage entry to the playoffs, according to the Icelander, whose contracts runs in tandem with Ireland’s involvement in the campaign.

Ireland squad v Portugal & Armenia:

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton) 

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Will Ferry (Dundee United).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Millwall), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton).

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town).

Ireland's next fixtures - FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers - both 7.45pm Irish time.

11/10 - Portugal v Republic of Ireland, Estádio José Alvalade.

14/10 - Republic of Ireland v Armenia, Aviva Stadium.