IFA officials are predicting one of Belfast's biggest football occasions in years following the news that France are to play at Windsor Park on August 18th.
In a coup which may be the envy of many European national associations, not least the FAI, northern enterprise has succeeded in enticing the world champions to Belfast at a vital stage of their European championship preparations.
France are scheduled to play Ukraine in a vital game at Kiev on September 4th, so the expectation is that they will field their strongest available team against Lawrie McMenemy's side.
"It's a marvellous opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to watch the best in the world on their doorstep and a great opportunity for my team to benefit from the experience," said McMenemy.
"I'd love to see a return to the days when people came out in their tens of thousands to watch games at Windsor Park and this can be a start in that direction."
Meanwhile, the English FA have confirmed they will not call up players involved in Premiership football on a regular basis for the Under-20 World Cup in Nigeria in April.
Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish's consortium have sought to distance themselves from speculation linking the former Kop idol with an Anfield takeover.
A Liverpool statement read: "Liverpool FC has had no approaches from anyone wanting to buy the club."
And Dalglish's rock star pal Jim Kerr added: "We haven't gone to Liverpool. We remain convinced we have something to offer Celtic."
