Ukraine is a significant game in Ireland's modern history - Stephen Kenny

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has described the upcoming clash with Ukraine as "a significant game in modern history" in the context of Russia's ongoing invasion of the country.

Ireland play Ukraine twice next month – once in Dublin, and then again at the neutral venue of the LKS stadium in Poland.

Kenny has aired his sympathy for Ukraine before. Appearing on The Late Late Show back in March, he said: "Ukrainian people, they've been incredibly brave. The dream is we play Ukraine and they’re an independent state, that they come through this."

The Dubliner further reflected on the situation after naming his squad for the Nations League quadruple-header in June, adding that Ukraine's football team can help keep the dire situation in the public consciousness

"It's a tragedy. Russia has invaded Ukraine. It's a war," said Kenny.

"The game was supposed to be in Kyiv, it was supposed to then be moved to Lviv, now it's moved to Poland. The fact that it's happening at all is a miracle.

"The home game, in 50 years' time it will be a significant game in Irish football history. Thousands have died in Ukraine; thousands more will die. You know, we've seen the situation where Ukrainian people from Ireland have gone to Ukraine to defend their nation and they've died.

"President Zelensky has made the decision to let the Ukraine national team let the country represent the country at this time, and I think he's right. People can get fatigued, forget it and switch off from the war.

"Ukraine playing highlights that. From history we have learned that when one country invades another, it doesn't stop there. Russia aren't just talking about invading Ukraine.

"They're talking about invading other countries, so I think this game is a significant