Huge boost as Evan Ferguson makes it into Ireland squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers

Some new faces.

Ireland host Portugal on Thursday, November 13 (kick-off, 7.45pm) and are away to Hungary on Sunday, November 16 (kick-off, 2pm).

The Boys in Green need Hungary to drop points against Armenia, before beating them at the Puskas Arena to qualify for the play-offs.

Ireland's current injury list is extensive with the likes of Robbie Brady, Sammie Smzodics, and Will Smallbone ruled out.

However, Evan Ferguson has made the squad after being a major doubt.

Also named is the uncapped Kevin O'Toole.

The defender is born and raised in the USA and plays for New York City FC.

In-form Celtic striker is a big omission, while Conor Coventry is the other uncapped player alongside O'Toole.

Manager Hallgrimsson is under serious pressure to keep his job after a draw with Hungary and a disastrous loss away to Armenia, before scraping past the latter with a 1-0 home win.

His deal expires after these games, and it is looking increasingly likely that he won't be kept on.

Last month, he said: “After the last game, I talked to the chief executive and the president, saying, ‘let’s postpone that until after the tournament.

“Probably an agent or another coach would like to sign a long-term contract and then be fired or whatever. But I’m not that kind. I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted.”