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

Some new faces.

Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his squad for their last two World Cup qualifiers.

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.”