Fulham full back Cyrus Christie has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Tuesday after Seamus Coleman withdrew through injury.

The Everton defender picked up a knock during yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan. Christie has been called up as cover and will join up with Stephen Kenny’s squad tomorrow ahead of their crucial game against the Serbians. Ireland only have picked up just one point from their first four matches in a disastrous start to their Group A campaign – which makes the midweek clash a must-win.

Christie has yet to feature under Marco Silva at Fulham this season and was made available for transfer at the end of the transfer window. The former Middlesbrough defender turned down a return to Nottingham Forest, where he had spent last season on loan, after failing to agree personal terms and a potential switch to Bologna fell through on deadline day.