Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has retained Shane Long in his starting lineup for the World Cup qualifier with Moldova.

Long is yet to score for club or country in eight matches this season, but the Southampton forward gets another chance to impress in his nation's crucial game on Friday night.

There is also a start for Callum O'Dowda, who makes a rare appearance with Jonathan Walters out injured and James McClean serving a one-match suspension.

In midfield, Wes Hoolahan plays alongside both David Meyler and Jeff Hendrick, with Bournemouth's Harry Arter out of the squad through injury.

Realistically, Ireland must win the fixture at the Aviva Stadium to maintain their hopes of securing a place in November's playoffs after Wales registered a 1-0 victory in Georgia.

Republic of Ireland: Randolph; Christie, Clark, Duffy, Ward; Hoolahan, Meyler, Hendrick; Murphy, Long, O'Dowda

Moldova: Cebanu; Bordian, Racu, Epureanu, Razgoniuc, Platica, Gatcan, Anton, Ionita, Dedov, Ginsari

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