John O’Shea: Ireland can frustrate Ronaldo again in Dublin showdown

Ireland need to avoid defeat to Portugal on Thursday if they are to make their clash with Hungary on Sunday relevant

John O'Shea said Ireland must be "tight, aggressive" against Portugal on Thursday. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

John O’Shea believes Ireland can frustrate his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo again in Ireland’s penultimate World Cup qualifier on Thursday (7.45pm).

Ronaldo’s previous two appearances for Portugal against Ireland in his homeland scooped braces but in Lisbon last month he struck the post and saw Caoimhín Kelleher save his penalty. It took a last-minute header from Ruben Neves to nick victory for the group leaders.