Martinez has named a 26-man squad for the double-header away to Ireland and at home to Armenia, with much of the attention back home focusing on a call-up for Carlos Forbs, the former U-21 cap who has impressed Martinez with his form in Belgium with Club Brugge, with squad issues for Martinez as Nuno Mendes and Nuno Tavares are injured.

Ireland will know the result of next Thursday’s 5pm game between Hungary and Armenia when they kick-off at home to Portugal, so Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side will be aware of what’s needed.

Martinez left Dublin unbeaten on his only game here as coach, with Belgium, but he senses that the sold-out Dublin crowd could be an issue.

“Ireland needs to win and the atmosphere we’re going to find will also be a challenge,” he said after naming his squad today.

“It’

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