RONALDO IS UNIQUE TO PORTUGAL

CRISTIANO RONALDO has an insatiable appetite for goals, which makes Portugal a “unique attacking team,” according to Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.

- BY MARK McCADDEN

He also has, Hallgrimsson reckons, an ability to wield an influence on referees. And on both counts, he hopes the legendary forward is frustrated tonight.

The Al-Nassr star is gunning to extend his outrageous goalscoring streak in international football when Roberto Martinez’s men arrive at the Aviva Stadium for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Ireland.

Ronaldo has scored a world record 143 goals at senior international level, 29 more than Lionel Messi for Argentina.

Four of those have come against Ireland - two in the heartbreaking defeat in Faro when he struck twice in the closing minutes to spearhead a remarkable 2-1 comeback win, and two more last year when Portugal claimed a 3-0 friendly victory.