SAINTS duo Shane Long and Dusan Tadic will be aiming to edge each other out as the race to the World Cup finals looks set to hot up in the coming international break.

Long has been included in the Republic of Ireland's provisional squad for their latest games against Wales and Iceland.

Martin O'Neill's side lead Group D as things stand, but have Tadic's Serbia in hot pursuit in the race to the finals in Russia next year.

Ireland take on Wales in Dublin on March 24 in a World Cup qualifier as they look to hold onto top spot, before hosting Iceland in a friendly four days later.

In form Tadic has been selected for Serbia ahead of their World Cup qualifier away to Georgia, as they look to close the gap on Ireland.

Serbia are currently second in Group D of qualifying just two points behind the Irish, having collected eight points from their opening four matches.

They will travel to Tblisi, to face Georgia, on 24 March, with their opponents having gained just two points from their first four games.

Slavoljub Muslin's side will be aiming to keep the heat on Ireland above them.

Meanwhile, Steven Davis has been selected for the Northern Ireland team to face Norway on 26 March at Windsor Park in a World Cup qualifier.

The Northern Irish, who are captained by Saints midfielder Davis, are currently second in Group C, five points behind reigning World Cup winners Germany.