Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has made three changes to his starting XI for tonight's World Cup qualifier with Portugal.

Jonny Evans returns to the heart of defence, having missed the 1-0 win over Russia through illness.

West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt, who was suspended for the game in August, also comes back into the side.

Lee Hodson wins his 10th senior cap at right-back. Aaron Hughes and Craig Cathcart miss out through injury, while Daniel Lafferty is suspended.

Kyle Lafferty has to settle for a place on the bench, as Martin Paterson continues to lead the attack.

The world's second most expensive player - Cristiano Ronaldo - starts for Portugal, who were held to a 1-1 draw by this evening's opponents at the Dragao Stadium in October.

N Ireland: Carroll, Hodson, Ferguson, McAuley, Evans, McGinn, Davis, Paterson, Brunt, Norwood, Ward

Portugal: Patricio, Alves, Pepe, Miguel, Coentrao, Ronaldo, Moutinho, Vieirinha, Meireles, Pereira, Postiga