Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is on loan at Romaplaceholder image
Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is on loan at Roma | AFP via Getty Images
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Evan Ferguson has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for their decisive World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary despite currently being sidelined by injury.
The 21-year-old limped out of Roma’s 2-1 Serie A win over Parma last Wednesday evening with ankle ligament damage, and the Italian club, which signed him on loan from Brighton in July, have effectively ruled him out until after the international break.
However Ferguson, who has scored three of Ireland’s four goals to date, has been named as one of six attacking players in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s 25-man squad for the two games which will decide their fate.
There is a place for the first time for New Jersey-born New York City defender Kevin O’Toole, whose grandfather was from Dublin, while Bristol City’s Mark Sykes and fellow midfielder Andrew Moran, currently on loan at Los Angeles FC from Brighton, are also included.
Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning, who are both suspended for the clash with the Portuguese, are among the party.
Ireland face unbeaten group leaders Portugal in Dublin next Thursday evening before travelling to Budapest for their final qualifier against Hungary three days later.
They are currently a point behind the Hungarians, who travel to face Armenia, where Ireland lost 2-1 in September, in the race for the runners-up spot.
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