Heimir Hallgrímsson names Ireland team for crunch World Cup qualifier against Portugal

The jersey of Troy Parrott in the Republic of Ireland dressing room. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrímsson has named his Republic of Ireland team for their crunch World Cup qualifier against Portugal at the Aviva Stadium tonight.

At the very least, Ireland need a draw to keep their slim hopes of reaching the World Cup next summer alive.

The Boys in Green were a few minutes away from securing a valuable point in Lisbon before Ruben Neves' late header broke their hearts but now in front of what is sure to be a vocal home crowd, they could really do with a victory.

With Evan Ferguson out injured and Ryan Manning suspended, Troy Parrott spearheads the attack with Liam Scales coming into the defence.

As for the visitors, Cristiano Ronaldo again leads the line as he looks to fire his nation to what will be his final World Cup. A win in Dublin seals their place.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, Coleman, Collins, Scales, O'Shea, O'Brien, Cullen, Taylor, Azaz, Ogbene, Parrott.

Subs: Bazunu, Travers, Kenny, Idah, Dunne, O'Toole, Moran, Egan, Coventry, McGrath, Johnston, Ebosele.

Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Cancelo; R Neves, Vitinha J Neves; Felix, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva.

Subs: Carvalho, Rui Silva, Semedo, Antonio Silva, Palhinha, Forbs, Ramos, Veiga, Trincao, Leao, Nunes,Conceicao.