IRELAND MANAGER Martin O’Neill will give Kevin Long his first start at senior international level in this evening’s international friendly against Uruguay (6pm).

The Boys in Green play the South Americans at the Aviva Stadium ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Austria in a week’s time.

After Thursday’s 3-1 defeat to Mexico in New Jersey, O’Neill has made eight changes to his team as only Darren Randolph, Shane Duffy and Cyrus Christie retain their places.

That night, Ireland lined out in an experimental 3-5-2 formation but it appears that they will set up in a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 here.

Burnley defender Long made his debut as a substitute in the Mexico loss and gets the nod alongside Duffy, while Harry Arter, Glenn Whelan, Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick and Jonny Hayes make up the midfield with Jon Walters likely to start as the lone striker.

Ireland team to play Uruguay: Randolph; Christie, Duffy, K Long, Ward; Whelan, Arter, Hayes, Hendrick, Brady; Walters.

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