John O’Shea expects ‘different situation’ when Ireland meet Portugal in World Cup qualifier

Ireland assistant head coach John O’Shea, left, and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after the UEFA Nations League B/C Play-off second leg win over Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

John O’Shea has bad memories of Ireland’s most recent meeting with Portugal, but he is expecting a ‘totally different situation’ later this year when the sides are reunited in the World Cup qualifiers.

Portugal’s dramatic 5-2 win over Denmark – they scored twice in extra-time after needing an 86th minute goal to avoid Nations League A quarter final defeat following a 1-0 first leg loss in Copenhagen – means that Roberto Martinez’s side will be the top seeds in Ireland’s four team pool which also includes Hungary and Armenia.