The FAI yesterday confirmed that the Republic of Ireland will play Croatia in a friendly at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, August 15th with a 7.30 p.m. kick-off.
The offer came from the Croatian FA and Mick McCarthy said he was delighted to accept the opportunity of a warm-up game prior to the vital World Cup Group Two qualifier with Holland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, September 1st, which also has a 7.30 kick-off.
"It's a good game to get people back together without the pressure of a World Cup qualifier," said McCarthy. "It's two and a half weeks before the Dutch game and I can look at it in two ways. I can play the side I want to face Holland or I can give one or two others the chance to shine."
Hinting that the game presents the ideal chance to cap promising Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison at senior level, McCarthy added: "I don't really need to see Robbie Keane and Niall Quinn play. I know what they can do."
Croatia currently lie joint second with Scotland behind leaders Belgium in Group Six of the qualifiers and meet Scotland in Glasgow on September 1st.
Former Shelbourne midfielder Paul Doolin was yesterday appointed UCD's new first team coach. Martin Moran, who will remain first-team manager at Belfield, approved the appointment of Doolin, 38, who is also expected to register as a player.
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