Hopes of a friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Argentina in April have been dashed, as the suggested dates were deemed unsuitable. Having been drawn in the same World Cup group as England, the Argentine FA were keen to arrange a game against supposedly similar opposition, and a renewed offer was made to the FAI.
The FAI still plan to stage a friendly on 17 April, and are expected to announced the opposition for that match next week. It is believed that the USA are the most likely opponents.
Meanwhile, the Irish team's pre-World Cup friendly against Nigeria has been switched from Friday 17 May to the previous day.
World Cup countdown
Republic of Ireland v Russia: 13 February (Lansdowne Road)
Republic of Ireland v Denmark: 27 March (Lansdowne Road)
Republic of Ireland v TBA: 17 April
Republic of Ireland v Nigeria: 16 May (Lansdowne Road)
Departure for the World Cup finals: 17 May
Filed by Greg McKevitt
