Evan Ferguson has been ruled out of Republic of Ireland's home fixture with Portugal, with Celtic striker Johnny Kenny called up in his absence.
Ferguson, who has scored three of Ireland's four goals in the campaign so far, had been included in Heimir Hallgrimsson's 26-man squad named last week, with the manager expressing his confidence that the Roma centre-forward would be fit.
However, it was confirmed this morning that Ferguson would be remaining at Roma to continue his rehab in the hope of being fit for the away trip to Hungary. The 21-year old suffered an ankle injury in Roma's 2-1 Serie A victory over Parma on 29 October.
Celtic's Kenny, a surprise omission from the initial squad, has been called up in his absence. The Sligo-born striker has made a strong start to life under Martin O'Neill, scoring twice in a 4-0 league win over Falkirk and heading the opener in the Cup victory over Rangers at Hampden Park. At the weekend, he scored the first goal in Celtic's 4-0 home win over Kilmarnock.
Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes has also been ruled out with injury, Hibernian's Jamie McGrath replacing him in the squad.
McGrath last appeared for Ireland as a second half substitute in the 2-1 away win against Finland in Helsinki in October 2024.
Updated Ireland squad for World Cup qualifier against Portugal
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Gavin Bazunu, Mark Travers
Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea, Jake O'Brien, Jimmy Dunne, Liam Scales, John Egan, Ryan Manning*, Kevin O'Toole
Midfielders: Josh Cullen, Jayson Molumby*, Finn Azaz, Conor Coventry, Jack Taylor, Andrew Moran, Jamie McGrath
Attackers: Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, Mikey Johnston, Chiedozie Ogbene, Festy Ebosele
*Suspended for the first match against Portugal.
