THROW ALL WE HAVE AT PORTUGAL

JAKE O'BRIEN is convinced that Ireland can exceed expectations in Lisbon - by THROWING everything at Portugal.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

And the Everton ace says Ronaldo and Co should expect the kitchen sink, not just his booming throw-ins, as the Boys in Green chase an unlikely World Cup lifeline.

Having been mauled in Armenia last month, Heimir Hallgrimsson's men know their hopes of reaching next summer's World Cup are all but over barring a miracle.

A result at the Estádio José Alvalade tomorrow would offer a way back into the race but there's good reason why Ireland are 18/1 outsiders for the game with some bookies.

O'Brien knows the post-match stats could make for grim reading, considering the array of talent that Portugal have on offer.

But Ireland won't care about coughing up possession and territory, once their defence functions and once they threaten from whatever forays they have behind enemy lines.

And that's why O'Brien's soaring throw-ins have come to the fore under Hallgrimsson and Everton boss David Moyes.

Ireland used them to good effect in the drawn game with Hungary last month, although there was a smack of desperation off the Irish approach in Yerevan.

But O'Brien feels Ireland must use anything and everything in their arsenal against Portugal and said of his throws: "It is becoming a lot more common. Not just with us but in the Premier League and against teams like Portugal you've got to pick your moments.