St Mirren midfielder expected to return to face Ronaldo & Co

Jamie McGrath received a boost ahead of next week's international with Portugal when he was selected on the Sky Sports Scottish Premiership's 'Team of the Month' for October.

McGrath is the only St Mirren player included in the selection despite the fact he has been sidelined since picking up an injury a few weeks ago when playing against Rangers.

The Athboy man received a hip injury and there were fears that he could be out for an extended spell after he was stretchered off in the Rangers game. However, the knock did not turn out to be as serious as first thought.

The Athboy man could feature in Saturday's game between St Mirren and St Johnstone and the hope then is that he will then join the Irish camp for that World Cup qualifier against Ronaldo & Co at the sold out Aviva on Thursday, 11th November followed by the away game in Luxumbourg.

The Scottish Premiership team of the week includes three players from Rangers (James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala), Celtic (Callum McGregor, Jota, David Turnbull), Dundee Utd (Charlie Mulgrew, Ryan Edwards, Scott McMann), Craig Gordon (Hearts) and McGrath.

Last month McGrath won his fifth cap for the Republic of Ireland when he played his part in the 4-0 demolition of Qatar at the Aviva last month.

He has become an integral part of Stephen Kenny's squad and his absence would be a big blow for the Irish manager.