Palhinha sure of challenge Ireland present to Portugal

Portugal will not just qualify for the showpiece across North America but travel there among those tipped to lift the only trophy missing from their collection.

Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene with Joao Palhinha of Portugal. Pic: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

Tottenham’s João Palhinha is your typical Portuguese international; regularly involved in eight-figure transfers without nailing down a regular spot with the UEFA Nations League champions.

An injury to João Neves, however, prevents Roberto Martinez from continuing the partnership with Vitinha that backboned Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph last summer.