IS THE SQUAD IN CRISIS..EVANS NO

REMAINING POSITIVE Evan Ferguson insists the Ireland squad is still united and denies that there is a crisis of confidence

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

EVAN FERGUSON doesn't accept there is a full blown crisis of confidence in the Ireland squad, but admits a winning habit wouldn't go amiss.

The Roma striker has overcome an ankle issue to lead the line in Lisbon tonight, as the Boys in Green chase an unlikely result against star-studded Portugal.

Morale is low after what transpired in Armenia last month, leaving Ireland's World Cup hopes teetering on the brink.

Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has cited how the responsibility of the shirt weighs heavy on some players, and has long wanted to appoint a team psychologist to help.

But Ferguson knows nothing will cure Ireland's ills like a run of good results, and that's why the forward is stressing the importance of an upturn in fortunes.

"I wouldn't say much about a heavy jersey, because whoever is here wants to play for their country and wants to play as best as they can," he said.