A brief history of Republic of Ireland v Lithuania

Tuesday night's meeting between the Republic of Ireland and Lithuania will be the fifth time the two countries have collided, and though the Boys in Green are unbeaten in the previous four contests, it's never been straightforward.

Ireland have had three wins - none by more than two goals - and one turgid, 1998 World Cup qualifier draw against the Lithuanians, who are currently ranked 137th in the world.

Lithuania endured a pretty miserable 2022 World Cup qualification campaign.

Their sole win in Group C came against Bulgaria, who they beat 3-1. They lost all seven of their other matches, with Northern Ireland easing to a 4-1 away win last September and then earning a 1-0 victory at Windsor Park in November.

On Friday night they laboured, really laboured, to a 2-1 win over San Marino - a side ranked 210th out of 210 countries in the FIFA rankings. But they do have form when it comes to making life awkward for Ireland.

We take a look back on past meetings between the countries.

16 June 1993 - Lithuania 0-1 Republic of Ireland, World Cup qualifier

It was a win that took Ireland to the top of their group as they chased a spot at USA 94, but this was a real slog in Vilnius. The hosts spurned chances before Steve Staunton's low free-kick was turned home by an unfortunate Lithuanian defender in the 38th minute. That ultimately proved enough to settle it.

One year and five days later Ireland would be squaring up to Italy in the Giants Stadium but that glamour showdown was earned on afternoons like this, as the dogged hosts scrapped throughout on a baked, bobbly pitch.

Republic of Ireland: Packie Bonner; Denis Irwin, Alan Kernaghan, Terry Phelan, Steve Staunton; Paul McGrath; Ray Houghton, Roy Keane, Andy Townsend (captain); John