The Republic of Ireland need something special in November's qualifiers to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams alive.
Heimir Hallgrímsson's side have struggled to make an impact on Group F after four games played.
A rousing 2-2 home draw against Hungary in September was swiftly followed by a shock 2-1 loss in Armenia.
It was heartbreak in Lisbon, as Ruben Neves headed home an added time winner, to break Irish hearts after Caoimhin Kelleher spectacularly kept out Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty.
There was a slight reprieve to wrap up the October window as Evan Ferguson's header snatched a 1-0 Dublin win over Armenia and Hallgrímsson heads into November on four points.
That means the Irish need to take points at home to group leaders Portugal [10 points] and away in Hungary [five points] on November 13 and 16.
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A lack of creativity in the Irish midfield has been raised as a constant concern under Hallgrímsson and that could be addressed before November.
As per reports from the Liverpool Echo, the Irish FA [FAI} are considering an approach to ask Everton star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to switch international allegiance from England.
The 27-year-old has impressed following his summer move to Merseyside, and after not representing England at any level, he could be open to the switch.
Declan Rice's move in the opposite direction - after making three non-competitive appearances for Ireland - caused controversy, but Dewsbury-Hall's case is different.
He is eligible via family heritage, and Hallgrímsson is open extending the offer, if Dewsbury-Hall is able to speed up his paperwork.
Everton captain Seamus Coleman returned to the Ireland squad this month - impressing in back-to-back starts alongside fellow Toffee Jake O'Brien - and the duo could be tasked with convincing Dewsbury-Hall.
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