Republic of Ireland to face Iceland in March friendly

The Icelandic team's 'Viking clap' with fans after matches became one of the enduring images of Euro 2016
The Icelandic team's 'Viking clap' with fans after matches became one of the enduring images of Euro 2016

The Republic of Ireland will play Iceland in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium on 28 March next year.

The game in Dublin comes four days after manager Martin O'Neill's Republic side face Wales in a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier at the same venue.

Iceland were surprise quarter-finalists at Euro 2016, beating England in the last 16 before losing to hosts France.

It is the second friendly arranged by the FAI for 2017 with Uruguay also due in Dublin on 4 June.

The Republic are second in Group D of the World Cup qualifiers with seven points, trailing leaders Serbia on goal difference and are two points ahead of Wales.

Iceland have continued their good form from the Euros and are second in Group I behind leaders Croatia on goal difference with seven points from three games.

The Republic next play Austria in an away qualifier on 12 November.