Fifa World Cup qualifier Group F: Hungary v Republic of Ireland

Venue: Puskas Arena, Budapest Date: Sunday, 16 November Kick-off: 14:00 GMT

Coverage: Live text commentary and report on BBC Sport website

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is happy that his side have their destiny in their own hands as they prepare to go after the win that they need to qualify for the World Cup play-offs in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Budapest (14:00 GMT).

Three points for the Irish from the encounter at the Puskas Arena would see them claim what looked in the early stages 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 heaped pressure on Hallgrimsson, and then a last-gasp loss on the road against Portugal.

Since then, the Republic gained a measure of revenge by defeating the Armenians at home and then secured a hugely impressive 2-0 victory over world-ranked five side Portugal in Dublin.

Troy Parrott scored both goals in that memorable win on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo sent off.

“First of all, focusing after a good game, building on that one, just realising what it was that created that win and trying to reproduce that,” said Hallgrimsson of the priorities in preparation for Sunday’s crucial game.

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

“We said we would always take it if we go to the final match and we still have a chance and everything is in our hands. We grab it. We love the fact that it’s in our hands now.”

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

Hallgrimsson had hoped to have the Roma striker available for the upcoming key encounter but Ferguson indicated himself that he was not sufficiently fit to return.

Otherwise the Icelandic boss has a fully-fit squad to choose from, plus Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby available after suspension.

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

“Everyone is fit apart from him [Evan Ferguson]. We called him yesterday or he did a session yesterday, and he hasn’t kicked the ball still. We talked to him and he feels that he would not be able to contribute much.

“I give a big-up to him, thinking about the team first. Obviously, every player would like to come, especially after the game in Dublin and join, but he thinks he would not contribute enough to be in the squad.

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

• ‘All or nothing’ for Republic of Ireland in Hungary
• Parrott cheers and Ronaldo jeers – a tale of two number sevens
• ‘Maybe I got in Ronaldo’s head’ – managers react to Portugal star’s red

Coleman ‘a really big battery’

Meanwhile Heimir Hallgrimsson has paid tribute to “battery” Seamus Coleman for helping to breathe life into the Republic’s World Cup aspirations ahead of their must-win meeting with Hungary.

The 37-year-old was not included in the squad for the opening games of the campaign in September as he battled for a place in the team at Everton.

However, at an age when many of his contemporaries have hung up their boots, the former Irish captain was still working tirelessly deep into stoppage time against Portugal, inspiring those around him and setting the standards which could yet take them to next summer’s finals.

“I think in general, in life, and all people – and it applies to football – there are two kinds of people: people that are vacuums and people that are batteries, that will give energy, will give joy, will give enthusiasm.

“And he is a really, really, really big battery for this group in so many ways, so the more the people of Ireland will produce more Seamuses in the future, the better it will be for the football team.

“But that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give to anyone in life – he is the biggest battery I have worked with in a football team.

“Really, he is a man that loves his country and will do anything, not only to shine himself, but to get the best out of everyone around him.”