The key talking points: Can Ryan Manning step up for Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland open their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday evening determined to end their wait for a return to the big stage.

Ireland last made the finals in 2002 and although they have qualified for Euro 2012 and 2016 in the meantime, the hunger to return to the top table is acute.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding their Group F opener against Hungary in Dublin.

Robbie Brady, one of Ireland’s stand-out performers at Euro 2016, has established himself as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s first-choice left-back, but he is sitting out the camp through injury, robbing the head coach not only of an experienced defender, but also his most potent source of set-piece delivery.

Southampton’s Ryan Manning has played at left-back for his country in the past and also possesses impressive dead-ball skills, and he will be one of the leading candidates to replace Brady.