Football
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Northern Ireland to play Ireland in a friendly match in November

The Republic of Ireland will meet neighbours Northern Ireland in a friendly match in November this year.

Republic boss Martin O'Neill and Northern Ireland counterpart Michael O'Neill will go head-to-head for the first time as international managers, almost seven and a half years since the teams last clashed in a senior fixture at the Aviva Stadium on Nov. 15.

Neither nation has a competitive fixture on that day and they will use the game as preparation for their UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Austria respectively a few days later.

Michael O'Neill said: "UEFA have made it mandatory that we play a friendly on that date and when we looked at the options across Europe, travelling to Dublin to play the Republic of Ireland made a lot of sense.

"It means that we can stay on the island for the week, train in our usual environment and play a game that will be a good test for us ahead of the Austria match.

"Both countries qualified for the last European Championship and narrowly missed out on qualification for the World Cup in Russia this summer, so it will be an evenly matched and hard-fought contest.

"From a personal point of view, I am looking forward to managing a team against Martin, a manager who I hugely respect and admire.

"Qualification for the next European Championship is our number one priority now and with the UEFA Nations League a potential route to the tournament, this game means that we will be as prepared as possible for the Austria match.''

The two teams last faced each other in Dublin in May 2011, when a double from Robbie Keane helped to secure a 5-0 win for Ireland.

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