US-born Kevin O’Toole the bolter in Ireland squad for final World Cup qualifiers

The Boys in Green are preparing for their concluding World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary.

JERSEY BOY: Ireland Head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has called up American defender Kevin O'Toole. Pic: Caean Couto/Getty Images

New York City's Kevin O’Toole has received his first Ireland call-up after the New Jersey-born defender declared through his grandfather.

O’Toole will assemble for the first time with the squad on Sunday, ahead of the concluding World Cup qualifiers against Portugal on Thursday at Lansdowne Road and away to Hungary in Budapest.

These could be the matches of the Heimir Hallgrímsson reign, unless he manages to leapfrog Hungary into the playoff spot, and he’s selected Evan Ferguson despite the striker sustaining an ankle injury recently while playing for AS Roma.

Another US-based player, Andrew Moran, is recalled, as is Mark Sykes of Bristol City.

Both Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning are suspended for the Portugal visit while Matt Doherty joins Robbie Brady on the unavailable list due to injury.

Hallgrímsson will shortly host a press conference but presumably injury also explains the absence of Sammie Szmodics.

Ireland are third in the pool heading into the final double-header, which begins with Cristiano Ronaldo’s leading his Portuguese side out in Dublin.

Should Hungary see off Armenia earlier in the day, Ireland will need to avoid defeat to against the group leaders to avoid elimination.

Even with a draw, Ireland will need to win by more than one goal in Budapest on November 16 to usurp Dominik Szoboszlai’s Magyars to enter the playoffs next March.

Republic of Ireland Squad – Portugal/Hungary 

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton) 

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton)*, Kevin O'Toole (New York City) 

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion)*, Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Andrew Moran (LAFC) 

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City FC), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir) *Suspended for the first match against Portugal.

Fixtures – FIFA World Cup 26  Qualifying 

13/11 - Republic of Ireland v Portugal, Aviva Stadium. 7.45pm 

16/11 - Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Puskas Arena, 2pm (Irish Time)