Collins reveals Ronaldo’s unsavoury action after late Portugal win over Ireland last month

Ronaldo had missed a penalty in Portugal's win over Ireland in October

After seeing a penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, Ronaldo’s side earned a stoppage-time victory thanks to Ruben Neves’ header in Lisbon.

With Portugal coming to the Aviva on Thursday night, O’Brien’s team-mate Nathan Collins was speaking to the media and revealed who Ronaldo goaded after the late victory, with replays not picking up the incident.

“It was Jake O’Brien, not me. I guess he was frustrated that he didn’t score himself potentially, I didn’t see it. I only seen it afterwards, I didn’t really understand why, I don’t know.”

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Ireland need a result at the Aviva to keep their slim World Cup hopes alive, before going to Hungary on Sunday to finish off what has been a mixed but overall disappointing campaign. 

Collins, whose Brentford side are on fine form under fellow Irishman Keith Andrews, highlighted the fact his friendship with Kelleher, also Brentford’s goalkeeper, is a huge positive.

Collins said:  “The fact me and Caoimh can create a relationship at both club level and country, I think it’s very positive.

“He’s in great form, he’s an unbelievable top keeper so to have him behind you is always confidence and allows me to do what I need to do.

“It should hopefully bring more confidence in with us when we go to games like Thursday because we have played together so much.”