Egan raring to go as Republic of Ireland aim to keep World Cup dreams alive

'THE BEST I'VE FELT IS PUTTING THE GREEN JERSEY ON'

- By BARRY COOPER

John Egan, left, and Festy Ebosele at a training session at FAI Headquarters in Dublin

(BRIAN LAWLESS/PA WIRE)

HULL City defender John Egan has declared himself ready and raring to go as he looks to help the Republic of Ireland claim a place in the World Cup playoffs.

Ireland know they must better Hungary's results in the next two games to ensure they earn a playoff spot for next summer's finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Egan's men face runaway leaders Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday night before heading to Budapest on Sunday for what could well be a huge showdown in the final game of Group F, provided Armenia can pull off a shock against the Hungarians.

The City star was back in last month's squad for the first time in two years, and received a typical dressing room welcome from boss Sergej Jakirovic on his return to Cottingham owing to the final moments of Ireland's 1-0 defeat in Lisbon.