AVIVA COULD BE FULL

IRELAND’S World Cup qualifier against Portugal next month could be played in front of a sold- out crowd.

Sports minister Jack Chambers yesterday expressed his optimism that capacities would hit 100 per cent by the time Cristiano Ronaldo and co come to town.

The Aviva was

50 per cent full for the visits of

Azerbaijan and Serbia last month.

Chambers said: “I’m positive and optimistic we’ll see a further increase.

“I think if you look at the general Covid figures and the huge positivity around the vaccination roll out and I’m positive and optimistic we’ll see that reach 100 per cent.

Decision

“But that will be subject to a Government decision in the week prior to the 22nd and the IRFU are obviously awaiting that.

“I’m positive and optimistic that we could see 100 per cent spectators for the November rugby internationals and also Ireland have an important game against Portugal in the qualifiers.

“I know the FAI would like to maximise the attendances at that as well.”