IRELAND were slick as a Parrott as they saw off Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo saw red. Troy Parrott scored a first-half double before Ronaldo became the third visiting player in a row to be sent

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez took a swipe at Heimir Hallgrimsson as he defended Cristiano Ronaldo, who saw red in his team's 2-0 World Cup qualifier loss to the Republic of Ireland.

Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has admitted he may have got into Cristiano Ronaldo’s head after the Portugal superstar was sent off in a 2-0 World Cup qualifier defeat in Dublin.

JAMES McCLEAN has ruled out a return to the Ireland fold despite Heimir Hallgrimsson saying he was “in our minds”. The former Republic of Ireland international retired from

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson noted Cristiano Ronaldo ’s influence on referees after Portugal’s 1-0 victory Ireland in Lisbon last month. Hallgrímsson said as much during a press conference earlier in the week ahead of Ireland’s 2-0 victory at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night.

James McClean has reaffirmed that he is retired from international football after Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson said he was considered for selection.

Heimir Hallgrimsson is hoping that Cristiano Ronaldo does not hold too much sway with officials as Ireland host Portugal in a vital World Cup qualifier later this evening.

Ridicule or redemption for both Hallgrímsson and the Irish players, comes next. If, somehow, they can secure four points from two matches in three days against Portugal and Hunga