Good evening and welcome to LIVE coverage of Republic of Ireland v Slovakia from the Aviva Stadium. A huge night for the Irish as they bid to reach their first major finals since the World Cup in 2002.

Ireland team news: Shane Long has been ruled out of the clash at the Aviva Stadium with a calf injury sustained in training. Long has started the season in fine form following his move from Reading to West Bromwich Albion, and had been named in Ireland's starting XI ahead of Wolves striker Kevin Doyle. Long has started the season in fine form following his move from Reading to West Bromwich Albion, and had been named in Ireland's starting XI ahead of Wolves striker Kevin Doyle.