McGrath confirmed for crunch games as U-17 stars shine in Qatar

Jamie McGrath has been named in the Irish squad for their upcoming clashes with Portugal and Hungary

The Republic of Ireland squad has been updated ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary.

Bettystown native Evan Ferguson has been ruled out of Thursday’s match against Portugal due to injury. The striker will remain with his club, AS Roma, to continue his rehabilitation with the hope of being available for selection for the second match of the window against Hungary on Sunday.

Athboy native and Hibernian midfielder, Jamie McGrath, has been included in the squad for the two clashes. McGrath already has accumulated 13 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and in eight games so far this season fro Hibs he has scored three goals.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side welcome Portugal to a sold-out Aviva Stadium on Thursday, November 13th, before travelling to Budapest to face Hungary on Sunday, November 16th.

Kilberry man Vinnie Leonard will be hoping he can help the Ireland confirm their spot in the knock-out stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in on Thursday against Paraguay. Leonard is expected to start at centre back while his Dundalk clubmate Sean Spaight, who has family ties to Athboy, is also part of the squad. Ireland have two wins from two in the group stage of the competition after wins over Panama and Uzbekistan.