Ireland to meet Hungary in June friendly

Chiedozie Ogbene of Republic of Ireland in action against Kostas Tsimikas of Greece.

Ireland will face Hungary in the first of their June friendlies, according to the Magyars federation.

The FAI have lined up a home double-header friendly against Belgium and Switzerland on March 23 and 26, with another pair due in the summer.

Hungary, who have qualified for their third successive Euros, will prepare for their trip to Germany by facing the Irish.

The Boys in Green will have a second game during that gathering, most probably away, their last outing before the UEFA Nations League B campaign kicks off in September.

Managerless Ireland will discover their opposition at the draw in Paris on Thursday week – England, Ukraine and Greece among the pool permutations to avoid.

Hungary FA President Sándor Csányi confirmed the fixture, albeit pending contracts signing with the FAI, with dates and venues to follow in due course.

The likeliest dates are June 3 or 4, with the game in Dublin, as Hungary plan to use their second match of the window, against Malta, as a home sendoff for fans. They are grouped with Scotland, Switzerland and hosts Germany at the summer extravaganza in June.

The international allegiance of Sammie Szmodics should be ascertained by then.

The Blackburn Rovers talisman is the top scorer in the Championship, bringing his tally in all competitions to 21 with an FA Cup brace against Wrexham on Monday, but is wanted by two nations.

He has yet to play a minute of international football at 28 despite declaring for Ireland through his late County Longford grandmother in 2001 and the Magyars have been in contact.

There’s been no comment from either Hungary management or from the player but clarity on the situation will form part of the new Ireland manager’s to-list, whomever is appointed.