THE HEAT’S ON IRELAND

MARTIN O’NEILL is ready to change his Republic of Ireland team’s style to counter the Georgian heat. Victory in Tbilisi tonight and a win over Serbia at home on Tuesday would seal a place in the World Cup play-offs. But the heat in Georgia’s capital hit 37°C yesterday and O’Neill may alter his team’s counterattacking style. ‘We’ll have to deal with it, it will be hot,’ said O’Neill. ‘We’ll have to try to keep the ball a bit.’ Midfielder Jeff Hendrick will miss out with a thigh strain, though Jon Walters could return from an ankle injury up front.