The Republic of Ireland will face Belgium, number one in the FIFA world rankings, and Lithuania in two friendly matches at the Aviva Stadium in March.
Roberto Martinez will bring his team to Dublin for a friendly on Saturday, March 26th, with kick-off time yet to be confirmed. Lithuania will then provide the opposition for a second international friendly at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, March 29th.
The Belgian game, in particular, will be a big draw with Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaka and plenty more star appeal in their ranks
Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland side will use these games as warm-ups for the start of the UEFA Nations League campaign in June when they face Ukraine, Armenia and Scotland in four fixtures including home ties with Ukraine on Saturday, June 4th and Scotland on Saturday, June 11th.
The FAI can also confirm the Republic of Ireland will play two friendly fixtures in the November international window with one of them planned to be at home.
There is also still a possibility of a friendly game on May 31st to give a final warm-up for the UEFA Nations League campaign.
England are still being thought of as potential opponents in one of the windows.
Ticket details for the double-header in March and for the renewal of season tickets will be announced shortly.
Now that we are back to full stadia again, it has to be hoped that the friendly games will provide a financial boost for the FAI and an opportunity for fans to see more of the exciting young players coming through that we witnessed in November.
