World Cup qualifier: Republic of Ireland v Hungary

Fifa World Cup qualifier: Republic of Ireland v Hungary

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 6 September Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Coverage: Follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said that his side’s World Cup qualifying campaign is going to be a “sprint” and that getting off to a good start will be key.

Hallgrimsson’s side face Hungary in their opening game at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday with Portugal and Armenia the other two sides in Group F.

The Icelandic manager believes a win against Hungary can be the springboard for success in such a condensed campaign with all six group games taking place over the next three months.

“This game is hugely important for the rest of the campaign given the nature of it, only six games in 70 days and it is going to be a sprint, so it is always nice in a sprint to be in the lead and not be chasing,” he said.

“Everyone expects Portugal to be first then it’s a small gap between Hungary and us in the Fifa world rankings.

“They are higher than us and you would expect it is going to be between us but there are going to dropped points in other places.”