Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Friendly ends in goalless draw in Dublin
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Your support makes all the difference.Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 friendly draw in Dublin.
The Republic, who went into the game having won just once in their previous nine outings and desperate to gain some momentum ahead of Monday night's Nations League trip to Denmark, were second-best in a clash between neighbours which demonstrated their respective difficulties.
But they needed Randolph to make fine saves from Gavin Whyte and substitute Jordan Jones either side of the break to ensure they emerged with something to show for their efforts as the visitors, who had tasted victory only twice in 11 matches before kick-off, created the better openings.
Indeed, the home side's only chances of note predictably came courtesy of Robbie Brady set-pieces on the Burnley midfielder's return to the international stage following a year out through injury, and the final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos.
The reception afforded to the two national anthems was less than respectful, but in a cagey start to the game it was the visitors who almost broke the deadlock after Shane Duffy had misjudged Steven Davis' 14th-minute ball forward.
Duffy's error allowed Liam Boyce to hook the ball into the path of Stuart Dallas to in turn feed Whyte, who looked certain to mark his first senior start for his country with a goal until Randolph raced from his line to make a vital block.
Seamus Coleman and Boyce were left bloodied by a clash of heads seconds later as Northern Ireland continued to press, but Duffy should have atoned for his earlier error when he met Brady's 21st-minute free-kick, but got his timing wrong to allow keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell to tip his downward header over.
Dallas might have done better after cutting out Glenn Whelan's crossfield ball and curling a shot harmlessly wide, but with he, Davis and Whyte dominating in midfield, the visitors looked the more likely scorers.
Whelan's 85th and probably final Ireland appearance came to a planned end nine minutes before the break as he was replaced to warm applause by Conor Hourihane seconds before James McClean, booed at every touch by the travelling fans, lashed an ambitious volley high over.
However, Randolph was called upon once again four minutes before the break when, after Darragh Lenihan's ball had been intercepted, Davis picked out Dallas' run and saw him force a solid save from the Middlesbrough keeper, who was relieved to see Michael Smith's stoppage time piledriver fly just over his crossbar.
The Republic returned determined to wrest control from the visitors and enjoyed a measure of success as they managed to ease themselves further up the pitch, and they went close when Callum Robinson steered McClean's 59th-minute shot wide after Coleman had crossed from the right.
Boyce looped a header over from Smith's 65th-minute cross as Northern Ireland responded and then saw the ball hacked away as it broke into his path after Randolph had parried Smith's volleyed delivery three minutes later.
The keeper came to the Republic's rescue once again with 18 minutes remaining when, after substitute Jones had pounced on another mistake by Lenihan, he denied the midfielder with his foot.
It's Thursday, it's international week, and that means a friendly between England and the United States of America, featuring Wayne Rooney! How odd. We will also have updates from Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland, with full line-ups and team news coming right up...
It's not been the best day for news in Britain with more Brexit turmoil and resignations occurring like there's no tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Premier League isn't doing much better with the Richard Scudamore news breaking that the premier boss is accepting the '£5m reward' from 15 of the 20 premier clubs for his impending retirement.
↵But tonight, the focus is on Wembley, where another news storm to have gripped the nation this past week, takes shape.
Wayne Rooney is making his return to the England side for the final time, reaching his 120th cap in the process.
The Three Lions' leading ever goalscorer is using this friendly to promote his charity with the game taking place against the country he is currently plying his trade in; The United States.
↵Meanwhile, we will also be keeping tabs on the match in Ireland as the Aviva Stadium hosts both Irish sides.
This is how the Northern contingent line up:
England have been checking in to Wembley in the past 10 minutes...
Team news to come in a jiffy!
And here is tonight's starting XI with deserved first caps for Lewis Dunk and Callum WIlson.
And an honour for Manchester City full-back Fabian Delph as he leads out the Three Lions this evening before Rooney will reclaim the armband at some point in the second half.
Rooney, sat on the bench, has 25 more caps than the England starting XI put together!
For those also interested in England's opposition tonight, here's how USA line up:
Some recognisable names in there...
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