OMOBAMIDELE DOUBTFUL FOR PORTUGAL CLASH

Norwich City defender Andrew Omobamidele is a bid doubt for the Republic of Ireland ahead of the visit of Portugal in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Republic of Ireland are already out of the running to qualify for next year’s World Cup from Group A of the UEFA qualifiers ahead of the Portugal clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday night.

Omobamidele, 19, made his Republic of Ireland debut as Portugal scored twice in the final minutes of the game to overturn a deficit and seal a 2-1 win at the expense of the Irish team. Manchester United talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was the recipient of the two Portugal goals.

Stephen Kelly is the Ireland manager and he talked about Norwich City defender Omobamidele during his pre-match presser on Wednesday ahead of the Portugal game. According to him, the 19-year-old Norwich City player is struggling with an Achilles problem and he would likely not make it in time to face Portugal. The Portuguese team need to beat Ireland to move closer to securing their place at the World Cup tournament next year.

While Andrew Omobamidele is doubtful for the Portugal game, Jayson Molumbyand Dars O’Shea have already been ruled out and they won’t be in the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against immediate past European champions Portugal.

Burnley defender Nathan Collins could be the man to replace Norwich City star Omobamidele at the heart of the Ireland defence if he’s eventually ruled out as expected. Ireland manager Kelly has already said he’s not optimistic about the Norwich City centre back facing Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal national team colleagues.

Collins played his first game for the Republic of Ireland on the way to a 4-0 win over Qatar in an international friendly encounter played last month. He’s on course to replace Omobamidele in the starting XI.