This XI can get the job done!
Ireland take on Hungary this Saturday, September 6 (kick-off, 7.45pm), in their first 2026 World Cup qualifier.
A draw at the least is vital, as the Boys in Green will see the Magyars as their main rivals in a group that also features Portugal and Armenia.
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson spent recent friendlies against Luxembourg and Senegal experimenting, which is reflected in those two drawn results, but we will see a much stronger XI this weekend, with just front liners Robbie Brady and Troy Parrott missing.
For what is the biggest game of Hallgrimsson’s tenure so far, below is the starting side we want to see take to the field at the Aviva Stadium.
Goalkeeper
Caoimhín Kelleher
No surprise here, with Brentford’s new stopper firmly ahead of Gavin Bazunu in the pecking order, and seen as one of the Premier League’s top keepers.
He will be vital if Ireland are to get a win.
Defence
Jake O’Brien
The Cork man is currently playing at the highest level of anyone in the squad.
He has started all three of Everton’s Premier League games this season, with the Toffees enjoying a strong start and sitting fifth.
The 24-year-old is gradually becoming one of Ireland’s main men.
Nathan Collins
The captain has been a nailed on starter for a few seasons, and nobody seems to get a bigger kick out of pulling on the green jersey than the Brentford man.
He has been prone in the past to the odd brain fart, but these mistakes have been absent in recent months.
Liam Scales
He has had a tough start to the season, as have most of Celtic’s team.
However, he has been one of the best performers for Hallgrimsson, and edges ahead of Ipswich captain Dara O’Shea, whose side are languishing in 20th place in the Championship.
Wing-back
Chiedozie Ogbene
Only recently back from a long-term injury suffered for Ipswich in the Premier League last October, but he should be nearing match fitness having featured in three games this season.
He hasn’t played for Ireland since a 2-0 loss to Greece last October, but was seen by many as the side’s best player around that time.
Granted, Matt Doherty will most likely start with Ogbene off the bench, but to grind out a win, Ireland will need a spark, and their is no better man than Sheffield United’s new on-loan winger.
Ryan Manning
Robbie Brady has been vital for the team, with his dead-ball work a crucial component of Ireland’s attack.
But fear not, as Southampton’s Manning is in a rich vein of form and already has two free-kick goals in this season’s Championship.
Midfield
Josh Cullen
Another player who has been a stalwart over the last few season, with Ireland struggling for holding midfielder options.
The Burnley captain has been looking sharp in the Prem thus far, with a goal and an assist in three games.
Jason Knight
There were a few eyebrows raised when Hallgrimsson named just four midfielders in his squad, with Killian Phillips and Jack Taylor also included.
Phillips is in the midst of a good run of form, but Knight is more experienced this and you know what you will get from the Bristol City workhorse.
Attack
Finn Azaz
Southampton’s new man was the star of the show in March’s Nations League wins over Bulgaria.
He brings hope that Ireland can create chances and look confident in possession far up the pitch.
Sammie Szmodics
He hasn’t featured for Ireland since the 5-0 drubbing to England last November, but had been a regular since his debut earlier last year.
A healthy partnership with Azaz and Evan Ferguson ahead of him could add a whole new dimension.
Evan Ferguson
Troy Parrott’s injury robbed us of intense speculation as to who will start between himself and Roma’s on-loan man, or whether both would play.
Thankfully, Ferguson’s move to the Serie A looks to have rejuvenated the striker, with two strong outings in his first two league matches.
