Seamus Coleman starts for Ireland in Portugal on 37th birthday

BIRTHDAY BOY: Seamus Coleman before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio José Alvalade. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

On the day of his 37th birthday, Seamus Coleman starts for the Republic of Ireland against Portugal.

Further up the pitch and Evan Ferguson has shaken off his recent injury to lead the line in Lisbon.

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson looks set to go with a back five with Ebosele and Manning playing wing back and a back three of Coleman, O'Shea and O'Brien, with Collins moving into midfield.

Although UEFA's official teamsheet has it as Colman and Manning playing wing back with a back three of O'Brien, Collins, and O'Shea.

All will be revealed though once the match kicks-off at 7:45pm. Stay tuned to our liveblog for the latest from Lisbon.

Meanwhile Roberto Martinez has also named his Portugal team, which features Cristiano Ronaldo up top.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher; Coleman, Manning, O'Shea, O'Brien, Cullen, Molumby, Ferguson, Ogbene, Ebosele, Collins.

Subs: Bazunu, Travers, Dunne, Egan, Ferry, Smallbone, Taylor, Azaz, Johnston, McAteer, Idah Parrott.

Portugal: Diogo Costa, Dias, Dalot, Ronaldo, Fernandes, Silva, Inacio, Neto, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha.

Subs: Sa, Silva, Semedo, Antonio Silva, Palhinha, Ramos, Goncalves, Veiga, Nunes, Trincao, Leao, Conceicao.