After doubt being cast on the availability of Shane Long earlier, there is better news for Ireland manager Martin O'Neill in relation to John O'Shea.

The centre-half is suspended for the first-leg in Bosnia after his red card in the final Euro 2016 group qualifier in Poland, but Sunderland have confirmed that the 34-year-old has recovered from his recent hamstring injury and will be fit for this weekend's game against Southampton.

Earlier, Ireland jumped up 12 places to 42nd in the latest FIFA world rankings ahead of that two-leg qualifier against Bosnia, who are up one place to 20th in the world.