Southampton may yet have a trio of squad members representing the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup in the United States next summer.
Gavin Bazunu, Ryan Manning and Finn Azaz were all named in the squad for the fixtures against Portugal and Hungary this week during which their country's World Cup fate could be decided.
Hungary's 1-0 victory against Armenia earlier tonight meant that the Republic needed an unlikely victory against Portugal to keep their hopes alive and set up a winner takes all encounter in Budapest on Sunday afternoon.
Saint Azaz runs himself ragged in star performance
Finn Azaz played an integral part in helping the Republic of Ireland to a sensational 2-0 victory over a star-studded Portugal side in Dublin tonight.
Playing on the left side of a four man midfield, Azaz played in disciplined fashion all night and offered a threat on the counter attack.
With Ryan Manning suspended and Gavin Bazunu usurped by Caoimhín Kelleher, only Azaz started of the Saints trio.
Heimir Hallgrímsson's Ireland team denied Portugal any space in possession and they restricted Portugal to a handful of half-chances in the first half.
Troy Parrott opened the scoring after 17 minutes, heading home from Liam Scales' knockdown following a corner.
It was Parrott who doubled Ireland's lead on the stroke of half-time, latching on to Dara O'Shea's long ball and finishing smartly into the near post through Rúben Neves' legs.
Ronaldo dismissed in petulant outburst
Christiano Ronaldo was dismissed on 61 minutes after he elbowed Dara O'Shea in the midrift sending the irishman sprawling to the turf.
As Ronaldo mocked both O'Shea and the crowd, VAR sent match referee Glenn Nyberg to the screen to review the yellow card that he had just issued to Portugal's captain.
Ever the showman, Ronaldo took an age to leave the pitch and remonstrated with just about anybody who made eye contact with him. He even put his thumbs up to the crowd, ironically thanking them for their perceived part in his sending off.
Azaz was withdrawn after 79 minutes as he began to fatigue, ending Southampton's influence on the rest of the match.
The Republic of Ireland now head to Budapest on Sunday knowing that a win will guarantee them at least second place in the group and a play-off spot for the World Cup finals.
Portugal, on the other hand, have simply to beat Armenia at home which should be a straight forward task...even without Ronaldo.
Ryan Manning may return to the team in Budapest and Finn Azaz will almost certainly retain his place in the starting lineup.