Hungary v Republic of Ireland: Prep as Republic of Ireland face must-win match against Hungary

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is happy his side have their destiny in their hands as they prepare to secure the victory they need to qualify for the World Cup play-offs against Hungary in Budapest on Sunday (1400 GMT).

Three points for the Irish from the encounter at the Puskas Arena would see them secure what appeared at the start of the campaign to be a very unlikely second place in Group F.

A home draw against Hungary was followed by a shock away defeat to Armenia which put pressure on Hallgrimsson, then a final away defeat against Portugal.

Since then, the Republic have gained some revenge by beating the Armenians at home and then secured a hugely impressive 2-0 victory over fifth-ranked Portugal in Dublin.

Troy Parrott scored both goals in Thursday’s memorable victory, with Cristiano Ronaldo sent off.

“First of all, focus after a good game, build on that one, just realize what created that win and try to replicate it,” Hallgrimsson said of the priorities in preparation for Sunday’s crucial match.

“[We need to] stop looking at or talking about what happened two days ago. Focusing on the next task is now the most important thing.

“We said we would still accept it if we got to the final and we still have a chance and it’s all in our hands. We’re grabbing it. We like the fact that it’s in our hands now.”

The Republic will once again be without Evan Ferguson, who continues to recover from an ankle injury.

Hallgrimsson had hoped to have the Roma striker available for the next key match, but Ferguson himself indicated he was not fit enough to return.

Otherwise, the Iceland boss has a fully fit squad to choose from, with Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby available post-suspension.

“I’m tempted to play against the same team. Will I do it? I don’t know. “The confidence is there and the belief is there. We’ll see how they go in training and we’ll go from there,” added the Republic of Ireland coach.

“Everyone is in good shape except him [Evan Ferguson]. We called him yesterday or he had a session yesterday, and he still hasn’t kicked the ball. We spoke to him and he feels that he could not contribute much.

“I give him a big well done, thinking about the team first. Obviously all the players would love to come, especially after the game in Dublin, but he thinks he wouldn’t contribute enough to make the team.

“So we leave him aside and he just continues with Roma, with his rehabilitation.”