United States-born defender Kevin O'Toole says his call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming double-header against Portugal and Hungary represents the fulfilment of a dream.

Hoping to reach the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, the Republic of Ireland will welcome Portugal to the Aviva Stadium on Thursday for their penultimate UEFA Group F qualifier.

JOHN O’SHEA insisted that Ireland have the players to pick up a result against Portugal as they push for a World Cup play-off place. The Boys in Green’s dreams of North America next summer

Celtic forward Johnny Kenny and Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath have been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary. McGrath, 29,

Despite conceding at the death in their last meeting with Portugal, Ireland will back themselves to frustrate Martinez’s men once again and will hope to have the luck of the Irish on their side on home soil, where they are without a defeat in their last five games.

WHEN he accepted Charlton’s call-up all those years ago, Ireland had never been to a major international finals tournament. The following year, Charlton took them to Euro ’88 and fun started with the famous win over England and Ronnie Whelan’s scissor-kick goal against Russia.

Abbie Larkin scored a decisive 90th-minute goal as the Republic of Ireland stunned Belgium to earn promotion to League A with a 5-4 aggregate win in the Nations League play-off. The Republic held a 4-2 lead from the first leg in Dublin thanks to an inspired performance from captain Katie McCabe.

VINNIE LEONARD insisted that the Ireland Under-17s will not take it easy against Paraguay as they seek the easiest route through the World Cup knockout stages. The Young Boys in Green are