Republic of Ireland vs. Iceland: Time, Live Stream, TV for 2017 Friendly
The Republic of Ireland will get the chance to restore some confidence after their recent bruising 0-0 draw with Wales when they host Iceland in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday.
Ireland will be without Everton full-back Seamus Coleman, who suffered a gruesome injury after being tackled by Welsh defender Neil Taylor on Friday.
Meanwhile, veteran centre-back John O'Shea, who was hit by a rough challenge from Wales star Gareth Bale late on, has returned to his club, as have Jonathan Walters, Glenn Whelan and James McCarthy, per BBC Sport.
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Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details:
Date: Tuesday, March 28
Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT, 2:45 p.m. ET
TV Info: beIN Sports Connect
Live Stream: fuboTV
Preview
Ireland could have used O'Shea against an Iceland squad featuring underrated quality in attack. It's Swansea City man Gylfi Sigurdsson who represents the biggest threat.
The 27-year-old can pick a pass between the lines and is also an excellent finisher, both from open play and set-piece situations. Having a central defender with O'Shea's experience would have surely helped keep Sigurdsson in check.
The Sunderland man was hoping for a swift recovery from his clash with Bale, per BBC Sport. However, Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has decided to "give some of his fringe players the opportunity to impress."
Among those involved will be Burnley winger Robbie Brady, who will skipper the side in Dublin, per the report. He will be expected to offer some graft and ingenuity to help break down Iceland.
Meanwhile, Brentford's John Egan could replace O'Shea. The 24-year-old central defender has been described by club manager Dean Smith as a "proper centre back and has a hunger to keep the ball out of the net. He is a good defender and a good footballer as well," per Jack O'Toole of the Irish Independent.
O'Shea may have been ready to feature against Iceland, but Coleman was not so fortunate. In fact, he was left with a double leg fracture after being tackled by Taylor.
It's an injury set to keep the Toffees defender out of action for the foreseeable future. O'Neill told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek he is unsure when Coleman will return.
O'Neill's squad may be weakened in defence, but he can expect his forward line to fire on Tuesday. Specifically, he will count on the pace of Shane Long to stretch a rugged Iceland back line.
If wingers James McClean and Aiden McGeady can use their skill and flair to supply Long with chances, the Southampton striker's movement should prove decisive in Dublin.
