The Republic of Ireland welcomes their first test of 2023 when Latvia arrive in Dublin on Wednesday night.
The meeting between the two sides will be the sixth in history and will serve as ample preparation for the vital UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against France on Monday, March 27.
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⚽️ | Ireland vs Latvia
? | International Friendly
⌚️ | KO 7:45pm
? | @AVIVAStadium
? | @RTEsoccerOur first game of 2023 is here ? pic.twitter.com/IKz0C2VY4E
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) March 22, 2023
Stephen Kenny's side will hope to set a positive tone against the Baltic state, with anticipation high for his young group.
Spearheading the line will be 18-year-old Evan Ferguson, who makes his first International start for Ireland.
The Brighton and Hove Albion hitman has earned much acclaim for his performances in the Premier League this season, having already found the net on seven occasions.
Kenny has been quick to recognise the talent that Ferguson possesses. " He's had a great start to his Premier League career, scoring goals in the Premier League, FA Cup and also in the League Cup," he said.
"We have known about Evan for a few years now, coming through the system in Ireland with Bohemians and through the underage International team.
"At 18 years of age, he's shown that he's ready. He's ready to come into the team and will make his first start tomorrow night."
BREAKING: Stephen Kenny confirms that 18-year-old Evan Ferguson will make his first start for Ireland on Wednesday night ??⚽ pic.twitter.com/taZxWVFj9O
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 21, 2023
Adam Idah has reported for duty but will not be available for selection. He is continuing his recovery from injury as he aims to be fit for the France tie.
Defender Matt Doherty has been handed the captains armband for the fixture in a reward for his continued dedication to the side.
Currently plying his trade in Spain, the Dubliner sealed a deadline-day move to La Liga giants Atlético Madrid, and he is happy with his decision.
"It's going well for me in Spain," he said. "It's a different experience completely, different culture, different preparation for games.
"I'm enjoying my time there even though I'm not playing that much.
"The reason I left was, initially, it was just to go on loan for the rest of the season and then obviously we had problems with too many loans.
"So then it was a case of I couldn't really say no to that type of experience and a manager of his calibre."
The Skipper ©️
Always an honour to captain your country ?? pic.twitter.com/zHvki7pgAF
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) March 22, 2023
The Republic of Ireland has won all five of their previous meetings with Latvia, scoring 14 goals and conceding only one. Tonight's fixture will be the second friendly, with the last ending in a 3-0 victory for the boys in green.
Kenny will be hoping for a better result than the last home fixture - a 2-1 defeat against Norway in November. The last time Ireland suffered back-to-back losses in Dublin was in May 2014.
Kick-off is at 7.45 pm this evening, with one eye on that mouthwatering fixture against the French in five days.
