Ireland to face Greece and Poland in friendly ties

The Republic of Ireland will face Greece and Poland in friendlies as Giovanni Trapattoni attempts to prepare his side for vital World Cup qualifiers.

Ireland, who launched their campaign with a dramatic late win in Kazakhstan last Friday evening, will face the Greeks at the Aviva Stadium on November 14 and then welcome the Poles to Dublin on February 6 next year.

Trapattoni said in a statement: “These matches provide me with a very important opportunity to work with the squad and test ourselves against strong European opposition in preparation for the pivotal World Cup Qualification double header against Sweden and Austria in March 2013.”

Ireland were based in Poland for their ill-fated Euro 2012 finals campaign, where they lost to Croatia and Italy in Poznan and eventual winners Spain in Gdansk.