Evan Ferguson included in Republic of Ireland squad for World Cup qualifiers

Michael Bolton

Evan Ferguson has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary despite his injury.

The 21-year-old was already struggling with the injury before being forced off seven minutes into the Serie A tie against Parma last week.

Despite his good form for Celtic, Johnny Kenny has not been included in the squad, with Adam Idah set to start if Ferguson misses out.

New York City left-back Kevin O'Toole has been included in the squad and could make his debut.

Matt Doherty and Robbie Brady are out with injury, while Ryan Manning is suspended for the Portugal game.

The other MLS based Irish player, Andrew Moran, makes his return to the squad.

Will Smallbone, Jason Knight, Bosun Lawal and Sammie Szmodics miss out through injury.

Portugal come to the Aviva Stadium next Thursday, which Ireland will likely need to get something from, while Ireland travel to Hungary in the final group game.

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton)*, Kevin O’Toole (New York City).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion)*, Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Andrew Moran (LAFC).

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City FC), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir).

November 13th: Republic of Ireland v Portugal, Aviva Stadium. 7.45pm

November 16th: Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Puskas Arena, 2pm (Irish time).