Hello and welcome . . . We’re just three days away from kicking off the World Cup in Qatar, but here in Dublin it’s all about Stephen Kenny’s Irish side hosting Norway in tonight’s international friendly at the Aviva stadium. Kick-off is at 7:45 p.m.

It will be a Norway team without the injured Erling Haaland, although Martin Odegaard will present a good challenge for the hosts. Unbeaten in eight of their previous nine home matches, playing good football and with the fans behind them – tonight is the first of two friendlies in the space of four days for Ireland. They left for Malta on Sunday.

Awaiting a look at Haaland in the flesh, but now just hoping for an Irish victory, almost 45,000 tickets have been sold and there should be a lively atmosphere in the stadium.

We’ll keep you updated throughout, live from the Aviva. Stay in touch via Twitter (@DonoghueEamon) but for now, let’s get started!!

“Norway come without two forwards, Real Sociedad’s Haaland and Aelxander Sorloth, with 35 international goals between them, and while Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard will lead from midfield, the Irish players may feel the need to reward their patients. and loyal supporters with a year-end performance in Dublin to atone for the mini-collapse against Armenia last September.

Check out the full preview from Gavin Cummiskey here

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