Heimir Hallgrimsson makes two changes to Ireland team for crucial Armenia World Cup qualifier

Ireland know only a win against the Armenians tonight at the Aviva Stadium will be good enough to keep their slim hopes of reaching the finals alive.

STARTING: The jersey of Finn Azaz hangs in the Republic of Ireland dressing room. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has made two changes to his side for their decisive World Cup qualifier against Armenia.

Ireland know only a win against the Armenians tonight at the Aviva Stadium will be good enough to keep their slim hopes of reaching the finals in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico next summer alive.

Hallgrimsson surprised many with his team selection for their ultimately heart-breaking loss to Portugal last Saturday night and with Josh Cullen picking up a yellow card in Lisbon, at least one alteration was guaranteed.

But the Icelander has opted to make two with Will Smallbone coming in for Cullen while Finn Azaz starts instead of Chiedozie Ogbene. Conor Coventry is amongst the subs having replaced Cullen in the squad.

The Ireland boss also opted to line his side out in a 5-2-2-1 formation, although it was often forced to change to 5-4-1 by a star-studded Portuguese team that were taking part in their first home qualifier of the campaign.

It seemed unlikely they would be set-up in a similar manner against a weaker Armenia side when they will be roared on by at least 45,000 Irish fans in desperate need of a victory, athough with almost like for like changes, maybe it will stay the same.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, Coleman, O'Shea, O'Brien, Collins, Manning, Molumby, Smallbone, Azaz, Ebosele, Ferguson.

Subs: Bazunu, Travers, Dunne, Egan, Ferry, Coventry, Taylor, Ogbene, Johnston, McAteer, Idah, Parrott.