Brazil being lined up for Croker

Brazil are being lined-up to play the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park in March in a money-spinning friendly.

The Republic's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals was a major blow for the FAI's finances.

However, the mooted 3 March friendly - almost certainly at Croke Park - would boost the FAI's coffers substantially and go some way to ease the financial pain of failing to qualify.

Reports from Brazil today said that the game was on the cards although the FAI said that talks were at 'a preliminary stage'.

The Association is also waiting on the outcome of tomorrow's World Cup draw, which may lead to the possibility of other friendly matches.