We have got to hit Port with a storm

IT WON'T BE PLAIN SAILING BUT JOSH SAYS IRELAND CAN MAKE WAVES

- BY GARRY DOYLE

JOSH CULLEN insists Ireland must be brave, bold and ruthless if they're to turn pride into points against Portugal.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's side pushed the Euro 2016 champions all the way in Lisbon last month, holding them scoreless until the final few minutes - proof that Ireland can go toe-to-toe with one of the world's best.

But Cullen knows gallant defeats don't count in qualifying. Tomorrow night in Dublin has to be the night Ireland go “one better”.

The Burnley midfielder - a fixture in Ireland's spine - believes recent meetings have stripped away the fear factor. Ireland drew 0-0 the last time Portugal came to Dublin and only a late Ronaldo double denied them in Faro three years ago.

“We can take a lot of heart from the performance in Lisbon,” Cullen said. “We contained a world class side until the very end but the mindset has to be to go one better.

“We've shown we can stay disciplined and frustrate them - now it's about showing the other side of the game too. We need to attack, go forward, get the goal that gives us a chance to win the game.”