- Shane Long will miss Monday night’s World Cup qualifying clash through injury
- Republic of Ireland face Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium for a spot in play-offs
- The winner will claim a place in the two-legged play-offs for the 2018 World Cup
Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long has been ruled out of his side’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Wales with a hip injury.
Ireland can secure second spot in Group D and a play-off place with victory over Wales but will be without Southampton striker Long for the crucial clash.
Wales know they will also claim a place in the play-offs with victory ahead of the game at Cardiff City Stadium on Monday evening.
Shane Long has been ruled out of Republic of Ireland’s game against Wales on Monday night
Both sides can still claim an automatic qualification spot as Group D winners but would need Serbia to slip up at home to Georgia.
Long has amassed 71 caps for Ireland throughout his international career, scoring 17 goals in the process.
The 30-year-old played 83 minutes of Ireland’s 2-0 win over Moldova on Friday but missed a series of chances as strike partner Daryl Murphy netted both goals.
Wales meanwhile will be without their talisman Gareth Bale after the Real Madrid star suffered a calf injury ahead of the international break.