Shane Long ruled out of Ireland’s clash with Wales

Shane Long will miss Ireland's make-or-break World Cup qualifier with Wales after suffering a hip injury.

After netting a brace in the 2-0 win over Moldova on Friday night, Daryl Murphy is expected to start up front with Sean Maguire on the bench as Ireland go in search of the victory needed to secure a playoff place.

Southampton’s Long had sat out training twice last week with a dead leg but had returned to full fitness to face Moldova before being replaced by Maguire in the 82nd minute.

It was another frustrating night for the 30-year-old as he passed up a number of chances to end a goal drought which has now reached 1,170 minutes for club and country – his last goal coming in a win over Sunderland in February. Today marks exactly one year since he last found the net for Ireland, that goal coming in the 3-1 win away to Moldova.