Martin O'Neill believes Cyrus Christie is more than able to stand in for injured Seamus Coleman

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has backed Cyrus Christie to fill injured captain Seamus Coleman's boots as he looks ahead to Sunday's World Cup qualifier with Austria.

The 24-year-old Derby full-back took on Coleman's mantle to the full as he contributed a goal to Ireland's 3-1 friendly victory over Uruguay at the Aviva Stadium seven days before the Group D clash with the Austrians.