RONALDO OFF THE HOOK AS IRELAND LEARN POT FATE

CRISTIANO Ronaldo is set to be available for the start of Portugal's World Cup campaign, despite his red card against Ireland.

- by SEAN THORNTON

A FIFA disciplinary committee has imposed a threematch ban, but the final two games are suspended for one year provided there is no similar infringement during the probation period.

He has already served a onematch suspension, in Portugal's final qualifier against Armenia.

Ronaldo was shown a red card after appearing to swing an elbow at Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s (inset) Ireland are in pot four for the World Cup draw on December 5, which will take place in Washington DC at 5pm Irish time.

Draw