Stan warmly welcomes Chile fixture

STEVE STAUNTON yesterday welcomed the news that the Republic of Ireland will play Chile in a friendly game at Lansdowne Road on May 24.

Staunton was anxious to get a game in May as part of his European Championship build-up, which will conclude with the previously-arranged match against Holland in Dublin on August 16.

However, with no other friendly fixtures set to be added, it means the new manager will have just two games in which to develop his side between now and the opening Euro qualifier away to Germany on September 2.