Ryan Manning ‘disappointed’ to be suspended for crunch Portugal visit

“Whoever the gaffer puts in next camp against Portugal will be ready to go and there to help the team. I was disappointed from a personal perspective," he said.

Ryan Manning after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Armenia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Six of Ireland’s starting 11 against Armenia began the crucial World Cup qualifier knowing that one more yellow card would rule them out of their next home match against Portugal.

But given that had Ireland failed to gain revenge on the Armenians at the Aviva Stadium, rendering their clash with the Portuguese next month almost meaningless, there was no option for those six players other than to go into Tuesday night’s decider full blooded.