The Republic of Ireland’s Group D rivals Wales will be without Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey for their World Cup qualifying double-header against Austria and Georgia next week.
The midfielder has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during his club's opening Premier League game last month.
Ramsey, one of Wales' best players during their memorable Euro 2016 campaign, has not been included in manager Chris Coleman's squad for the Austria game in Vienna next Thursday, which is followed by a Cardiff appointment with Georgia three days later.
Wales began their World Cup qualifying schedule with a 4-0 home win against Moldova.
They travel to the Aviva Stadium next March, and end their campaign with a Cardiff clash against Martin O'Neill's men the following October.
Ireland host Georgia on the same night the Welsh travel to Austria, before heading for a Sunday showdown in Moldova.
