Danes fill void in Irish fixture schedule

International news:The five-month gap in the Republic of Ireland's 2007 schedule, between the home and away Euro 2008 qualifying games against Slovakia at the end of March and early September, is beginning to be filled by the FAI. A friendly against Denmark in Aarhus was confirmed yesterday for August 22nd, with a trip to the US in May also in the offing.

While the FAI insisted the game against Denmark is the only friendly so far confirmed they said efforts were being made to arrange more fixtures before the summer break.

Ecuador, though, announced yesterday its senior team, beaten in the last 16 by England in the 2006 World Cup finals, would be playing the Republic in New York on May 23rd as part of its preparations for the Copa America, a fixture that has also been added to the Fifa website.

Contracts for that game have yet to be signed, though, said the FAI, but should it be confirmed, and should "talks" with other nations prove fruitful, it is likely the Republic will play at least a couple of games in the US in May, with the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and the unavailability of Croke Park for non-competitive fixtures ruling out the possibility of any home games.

"The Denmark game is at the start of the new season so it is a good opportunity to get the lads together ahead of the remaining qualifiers," said manager Steve Staunton, who was captain in the last meeting between the countries five years ago, which Ireland won 3-0.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND'S 2007 FIXTURES

Feb 7th: San Marino v Rep of Ireland (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

Mar 24th: Rep of Ireland v Wales (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

Mar 28th: Rep of Ireland v Slovakia (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

*May 23rd: Rep of Ireland v Ecuador (Friendly, New York)

Aug 22nd: Denmark v Rep of Ireland (Friendly)

Sept 8th: Slovakia v Rep of Ireland (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

Sept 12th: Czech Republic v Rep of Ireland (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

Oct 13th: Rep of Ireland v Germany (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

Oct 17th: Rep of Ireland v Cyprus (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

Nov 17th: Wales v Rep of Ireland (Euro 2008 Qualifier)

* Unconfirmed