‘When they’re with us, you really feel you can’t be beaten’ – Nathan Collins’ plea to Ireland fans for Portugal visit

Ireland's Nathan Collins tussles with Styopa Mkrtchyan of Armenia during the World Cup qualifier. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland captain Nathan Collins has called on supporters to make Lansdowne Road a cauldron for the visit of Portugal next month, with the Boys in Green needing at least a draw in the penultimate World Cup qualifier to keep their slim hopes alive.

Heimir Halgrimsson’s men defeated 10-man Armenia 1-0 to pick up their first win of the campaign, but Hungary’s injury-time leveller in Portugal has made Ireland’s task next month more difficult as they look to defy the odds and pip Hungary to second-place and a play-off for next summer’s finals.

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