Republic of Ireland v Belgium - All You Need to Know

VENUE

Saturday 26 March, Aviva Stadium, 5pm

TV

Live coverage on Sky Sports.

RADIO

Live coverage on Saturday Sport on RTE Radio 1.

ONLINE

Live blog on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app from 4pm.

WEATHER

A warm evening looks to be in store with a no chance of rain come kick-off time.

PHASE TWO OF THE KENNY ERA

It was one year ago this weekend that Stephen Kenny and the Republic of Ireland were at their lowest point.

A 1-0 defeat to Luxembourg left gloom over the nation and left many questioning the ability of the Irish boss.

Some of those have been silenced. Kenny proudly boasts an evolution of the Irish team with 15 debutants, morale-boosting victories and an increased fan base.

There are record number for season ticket sales and a wave of optimism that seemed a world away 12 months ago.

Not all are convinced. But the manager has done enough to warrant a new contract and that is truly the next phase of his grand plan.

For those who don't believe in the football factor, the ticket sales are a real win for the FAI on the back on a period where their name and brand was struggling.

Qualification for Euro 2024 is the ultimate goal and a chance to truly revolutionise Irish football.

Belgium are the first of two friendlies in the coming days, as Lithuania visit on Tuesday, with little riding on the games.

However, momentum is with Kenny and Irish team and the vital part of this window is not to lose it.

Kenny's new deal ends the debate over the short-term vision and while he said he was never worried, the end of the distraction is most certainly welcome.

Ireland's small player pool, compared to Belgium, has to be recognised as well.

As Kenny acknowledges, the experimenting is over. However some players must get minutes now because there will be a time