Hello and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE text commentary of the World Cup qualifier between Austria and Republic of Ireland. Martin O'Neill's side can go top of Group D with a victory this evening but it's going to be a difficult match - Ireland haven't beaten Austria since 1963.

He will become the first League of Ireland player to make an appearance for the international team in nine years, if he is brought on today.

CLOSE! McClean tries his luck on the half-volley from distance and it goes inches wide. The referee spotted a deflection though and Ireland have a corner.

Alaba sends the ball towards the back post but it's too close to the goalkeeper and easy for Randolph to claim.

Alaba is fouled in midfield and the Bayern Munich star will have a chance to deliver the ball into the penalty area now.

More frustration for Ireland as another attack comes to nothing. Coleman fouls his marker in a wide area and the referee gives the free-kick to Austria.

Randolph is called into action for the first time this evening. Alaba's corner finds Janko at the near post with his back to goal, the forward is allowed to turn and shoot but it's comfortable for the Ireland goalkeeper.

Ireland haven't offered anything in attack thus far. They're camped inside their own half, inviting pressure from the hosts. Walters seems to be quite isolated in this system.

CLOSE! Hoolahan is caught in possession, gifting Austria a chance. Arnautovic tees up Sabitzer on the strike of the area but the Austria No 9 can't find the target and it goes narrowly wide.

Austria have dominated the opening minutes of the match, playing at a high tempo, but Alaba catches Coleman in defence and Ireland have a moment to try to calm things down.

Ireland have set up in a diamond formation for this evening's game.

The hosts have made a bright start, winning two successive corners and putting Ireland under pressure.

AND WE'RE OFF! There is certainly a big match feeling around this one. Austria must win to keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup 2018 alive. Ireland will go top with a victory.

FIVE MINUTES UNTIL KICK-OFF! Will there be goals tonight? Martin O'Neill's side have found the back of the net in 18 of their past 19 fixtures, only drawing a blank against Belgium at Euro 2016.

TEN MINUTES UNTIL KICK-OFF! The atmosphere is building at Ernst Happel Stadion where Austria must win to keep their Russia 2018 dreams alive. They have recorded only four points from three matches.

Ireland's last win over Austria was back in October 1963, when they ran out 3-2 winners in a Euro 1964 qualifier. Who can remember that?

Austria have a couple of handy players, including Bayern Munich's David Alaba. Marko Arnautovic may only play for Stoke City, but he's also a handy player and has scored with two of his three shots on target in World Cup 2018 qualification.

PRE-MATCH STAT! These two nations have met 14 times before, with Austria leading the way with nine victories to the Republic of Ireland's two. Three matches have been drawn.

Ireland are currently second in Group D, level on points with leaders Serbia who take on Wales later. A win would send a message to Eire's rivals but Austria, who qualified for the European Championships, are not to be taken lightly.

"If we could remain unbeaten over the Christmas period it would give us a boost," said Martin O'Neill.

"Any point away from home is still considered by the best sides as a good result. Having said that, I don't know how you play for, or plan, for a draw. Our attitude is to try and go out on the front foot and go for it.

"Big players rise to the occasion. Occasions like this are what we are in the game for."

Harry Arter is handed his international debut, taking a place in midfield alongside Glenn Whelan and Jeff Hendrick. Wes Hoolahan retains his place in the starting line-up from the victory over Moldova, while James McClean has recovered from a back injury in time to start on the left.