John O’Shea warns Ireland must 'stick together' as Ronaldo and Portugal await
“There's going to be tough moments in Portugal with the quality they have, we’ll be under pressure," said Ireland assistant coach John O'Shea. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
John O’Shea insists Ireland must improve their togetherness against top seeds Portugal after the “shock” of losing in Armenia last month.
The Ireland assistant manager’s former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo will be sensing blood in Lisbon against an Ireland team already trailing the top seeds by five points in the World Cup qualifying group.
If Ireland were all at sea against a minnow ranked 105th in the world, it’s difficult to contemplate what a team of stars situated 100 places higher will inflict on Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side.
O’Shea’s equaliser on his 100th cap pinched a point off world champions Germany 11 years ago and it will take a herculean feat of similar stature for Ireland to snaffle something from what appears to be a mismatch.
Lessons from the 2-1 defeat in Yerevan, which ought to have been a wider margin, were discussed once the team reassembled on Monday and O’Shea feels there’s an understanding within of what’s to be rectified.
“We need to have more togetherness in the team, in the sense of sticking together,” urged the Waterford native about the collapse.
“It wasn’t something we were planning on happening. We weren't expecting it. When it does, it's obviously a bit of a shock to the system and everyone was absolutely gutted, knowing we weren't expecting it.
“That's where we have to show that reaction now. We have to get back and have a better window than the last one.
“There's going to be tough moments in Portugal with the quality they have, we’ll be under pressure.
“So we're going to have to stick together, stick through that by defending collectively. And then you have that threat to cause Portugal problems as well.” Evan Ferguson has scored in his last three competitive outings for Ireland but emerged as an injury doubt over the weekend when AS Roma revealed an ankle injury.
He returned to the training pitch today, removing any fears about his availability.
Fellow striker Troy Parrott has also recovered from injury, albeit a serious one in his knee, and the pair could be reunited at the home of Sporting Lisbon.
“Evan took part in pretty much all the training today, so really good,” reported O’Shea.
“Troy's been excellent as well since he's shown up, which is fantastic news as well.
“There's every chance (of Parrott playing against Portugal) but you also have to respect the kind of injuries he's had.
“We look after the player first and foremost and hopefully then we can make that decision closer to kick-off.
“But what we're seeing is very positive. That’s everything; the strength, power and speed he has is good to see.
“Troy has done everything right on and off the pitch to be the best professional he can.
“That's led to him getting back that bit quicker from an injury that could have kept him out for longer too.
“It’s brilliant to see. Anyone that has that kind of attacking talent is going to be very important for us.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
