The Republic of Ireland begin their European Championship Group 10 qualifying programme with a game against fellow World Cup finalists Russia in Moscow on Saturday, September 7th.
Manager Mick McCarthy was happy for the first game to be against Russia, especially as Dublin's Lansdowne Road is not available in September because of ground improvements.
"Mick was keen that we play our toughest opponents away from home early in the tournament and we have come up with a fixture list which we hope will be to his satisfaction," said FAI general secretary Brendan Menton.
McCarthy's men will have just one further fixture in 2002 when they meet Switzerland in Dublin on October 15th.
As Lansdowne Road is required for the Ireland v England rugby union international on March 29th, 2003, the FAI were happy to play Georgia in Tbilisi on that date and four days later Albania in Tirana.
In June 2003, Ireland then have two home games in the space of four days with Albania the visitors on June 7th and Georgia on June 11th.
Mick McCarthy's team complete their eight-match programme with a home game against Russia on September 6th, 2003 and then against Switzerland in Berne on October 11th.
The 2004 European Championships are to be held in Portugal. PA