Shane Long ruled out of Portugal game after testing positive for Covid-19

Player isolating as Stephen Kenny hands St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath a spot in side


Shane Long has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Portugal in Faro.

The FAI have announced that the Southampton striker has been isolated from the group, but it is not apparent if any other Irish player is deemed a close contact with the 34 year old.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has released the team for tonight's match at Estádio Algarve with only 11 subs despite being allowed choose 12. Ronan Curtis and Nathan Collins are not included on the bench.

Norwich City's Adam Idah partners Brighton's Aaron Connolly in an all Premier League attack. Troy Parrott is on the bench.

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St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath is a surprise inclusion while Matt Doherty has seen off James McClean to start at left wing back.

As expected, Cristiano Ronaldo leads the Portugal line. The 36-year-old is seeking a world record 110th international goal.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and you can follow all the action on the Irish Times Live Blog.

IRELAND (v Portugal): Bazunu (Portsmouth); Coleman (Everton capt), Egan (Sheffield United), Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur); Hendrick (Newcastle United), Cullen (Anderlecht), McGrath (St Mirren); Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Idah (Norwich City)

Subs: Kelleher, Talbot, Manning, Hourihane, Parrott, McClean, Arter, Horgan, Molumby, Collins, Omobamidele.

PORTUGAL: Patrício; Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Palhinha, Ronaldo (capt), Silva, Fernandes, Silva, Cancelo, Jota.