LIVERPOOL TEAMMATES RALLY ROUND DISTRAUGHT MIDFIELDER SZOBOSZLAI

LIVERPOOL striker Hugo Ekitike has rushed to support Dominik Szoboszlai after Hungary failed to qualify for the World Cup qualification playoff.

- BY STEPHEN KILLEN

The 25-year-old couldn't inspire his nation to secure a place at the prestigious international competition as they suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat against the Republic of Ireland.

Szoboszlai assisted the opening goal for Daniel Lukacs before Liverpool and international teammate Milos Kerkez provided Barnabas Varga before the break to restore their 2-1 lead. But Hungary endured a 16-minute collapse as Troy Parrott scored twice, completing his hat-trick in the process in the sixth minute of stoppage time.