The WNT face Northern Ireland at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow, with kick-off at 5.30pm, in their final fixture of the qualifying campaign. Colin Bell's are set to finish third in the group, with top seeds Norway and European Champions, the Netherlands ahead of them.

Jarrett came on for her second cap in the 1-0 defeat to Norway in June having recovered from three ACL injuries during her career. The appearance in Stavanger was her first since February 2016 for the WNT after she suffered the injury against Italy at the Cyprus Cup.

With 25 goals in the Women's National League for Wexford Youths this season, the 24-year old is pushing for her first-ever start in the WNT but she isn't focused on that, just to end the campaign on a high.

"Well, I don't know if I'm starting but to just to be here is fantastic for me. Coming back from the injuries which extremely difficult but to be in a position where I'm pushing for the starting XI, makes it all worth it," the striker commented.

"We know what we need to get done, we're looking to get a vital win. You can't look past your next game and tomorrow will be our biggest game, it's the final game of the campaign so we need to see it out properly. 

"The campaign has been successful but with areas we can and need to improve. The improvement across the team over the last year has been huge and had a fantastic impact on the women's game in Ireland.

"We're competing with the top teams which probably hasn't happened before. The draw against the Netherlands shows that and I thought we were really unlucky in the two games against Norway. 

"We could pick out areas from those games against the top teams where we could have taken a point or two, and potentially still be in it. We've got to bring that into the next year when qualifying will begin for the European Championships."

Colin Bell's side started their FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign in Lurgan with a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in September. A win tomorrow will see the WNT end the campaign with 13 points as preparations for next year's European Championships qualifying begin.

With no injury concerns ahead of the game, Jarrett believes the squad are a great position to finish off the campaign on a high but has warned of the Northern Ireland threat. 

"They've got a number of different players in their squad since the last result, a lot like us really. We've got a number of players in the squad who've really come through in the last year so tomorrow's game will be completely different," she added.

"We know what we need to implement, we've been able to analyse the games so we know what to expect. They'll be coming down here looking for a result, no doubt. It's a big game and they'll want to everything for the win.

"We've worked hard on getting the result we need, we've got a lot of players who are looking really sharp and we've just got to go out there and do our jobs really. 

"We've had some fantastic crowds during the campaign, they've continued to grow and for me, to see the younger generations here enjoying watching football, that's massive. It's a great sign for the development of the game."

Two years ago, the Football Association of Ireland announced that Damien Duff, Kenny Cunningham, Mark Kinsella, Keith Andrews, and Stephen McPhail would link up with High Performance Director Ruud Dokter to assist with different Ireland teams.

Kinsella (pictured above) will continue in his role with the Under-21 men's team, under the guidance of Noel King, while each of the other coaches moved on following successful spells with the U-19s, U-18s, U-17s, U-16s, and U-15s respectively.

Now, there are new additions to the coaching set-up with Colin Healy (U-19), Andy Reid (U-18), Kevin Doyle (U-17), Richard Dunne (U-16), and Sean St Ledger (U-15) all getting involved ahead of forthcoming games.

Having represented Ireland at various levels, featured at UEFA European Championships, played in the English Premier League, and starred in underage tournaments, the six coaches will be able to provide superb insight and knowledge.

"It is extremely important that we continue to develop high-quality players for the Republic of Ireland teams at all levels and coaching plays a huge part in that, so it is exciting to have six former players who have succeeded at the highest level to pass on their experience," said Dokter.

"We are very grateful to Damien, Kenny, Keith and Stephen for the professionalism that they brought with them to the teams that they previously worked with, while it is fantastic that Mark is staying on with the Under-21s who have some important games coming up next month.

"Both Colin and Andy have already been in with the Under-19s and Under-18s teams, with Tom Mohan and Jim Crawford, so it is great that they have committed to the new campaign. We will also have other coaches help out from time to time, just like Stephen Quinn who was recently involved with Paul Osam's Under-16s.

"The hope is that we can help these former players improve as aspiring coaches, while also having our young international players learn from them. I have no doubt that they will have a positive impact in their roles and I look forward to working with them." 

Mark Kinsella will travel with Noel King's Under-21 squad to Kosovo for their UEFA European Championship qualifier on September 7 before they host Germany at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, September 11.

Tom Mohan's Under-19s will have home advantage for their UEFA European Championship Qualifying Round games against Bosnia & Herzegovina (October 10), Faroe Islands (October 13) and Netherlands (October 16), so Colin Healy won't have to travel too far to be involved in those games.

For Andy Reid, there will be games with Jim Crawford's Under-18s later in the year, while Kevin Doyle will link in with Colin O'Brien's Under-17s for friendly games in September and November.

Paul Osam is preparing a new Under-16 squad for the Victory Shield - which will take place in Kerry in November, so Richard Dunne will be able to experience tournament action straight away. At Under-15 level, Jason Donohue has already brought Sean St Ledger in and they will work together in future games.

The FAI are working on bringing former women's internationals into similar roles with the women's underage teams.

NOTE: All 2018/19 FAI Season Ticket holders will be able to secure free entry to any of the home international games involving the Republic of Ireland underage teams.

Cavan-native Leanne Kiernan was named the Three Player of the Match following her fantastic brace and skipper Katie McCabe added a further two to make it a comfortable 4-0 victory. 

It only took Colin Bell's side three minutes to get on the scoresheet as Diane Caldwell's lofted 40-yard ball found the explosive Kiernan who chipped the ball neatly over keeper Jacqueline Burns. 

Northern Ireland struggled to settle with the pace of Kiernan and the strength of Rianna Jarrett up front, and with 11 minutes gone, Ireland doubled their lead. Kiernan stretched the Northern Ireland defence down the right before Tyler Toland's long-range was parried and after Jarrett's neat lay-off, Katie McCabe powered the ball home. 

The Tallaght Stadium crowd were treated to a third goal in the first 30 minutes when Kiernan notched her second of the game. Jarrett was once again involved as she found Denise O'Sullivan who found the perfect pass to Kiernan and the West Ham Ladies striker finished with aplomb. 

President Michael D Higgins was in attendance for the second time during the campaign and Ireland sealed their fourth win in the group in the second-half. Harriet Scott latched onto an O'Sullivan through-ball before keeper Burns conceded a 56th-minute penalty. Captain McCabe stepped up to score her second of the game, the spot-kick neatly placed to the keeper's right. 

Ireland continued to dominate the occasion and Kiernan almost bagged her first senior international hat-trick four minutes from the end, but could only find the up-right from eight yards out. 

Colin Bell handed a senior international debut to Shelbourne Ladies striker Jessica Ziu in the second-half. The 16-year old replaced Wexford Youths striker Jarrett as preparations begin for next year's UEFA 2021 European Championships qualifying campaign. 

"It was a fantastic performance. To get goals like that in the opening stages of the game really settled us and I was extremely happy with the quality of the finishing tonight," WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said.

"Leanne Kiernan is beginning to really show what she can do. Her pace will always get her in threatening positions but it's always been about her using those positions well. Her progression in the past year has been fantastic, all the hard work put in at Shelbourne Ladies and now, West Ham, it is paying off.

"We'll sit down tomorrow as a group and go over the game, and go through the lessons we've learnt throughout the campaign. There will be certain moments which stick out in the last year or so, and which we can improve. We're heading in the right direction though and the players have to keep that up."

The WNT face a trip to Poland on Tuesday, October 9 in an international friendly match with further plans for the rest of the year and early 2019 to be confirmed. Ireland finished third in Group Five with just European Champions the Netherlands and top seeds Norway set to finish ahead of them.

Republic of Ireland: Amanda Budden (GK), Heather Payne, Harriet Scott, Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell, Leanne Kiernan (Amber Barrett 87), Denise O'Sullivan, Katie McCabe (C), Tyler Toland (Karen Duggan 60), Rianna Jarrett (Jessica Ziu 75). 

The Republic of Ireland squad has been finalised for the UEFA Nations League opener against Wales (September 6) and the international friendly with Poland (September 11).

Injuries have ruled out James McCarthy (leg), Robbie Brady (ankle), Scott Hogan (groin), Sean Maguire (hamstring) and Shane Long (foot), while Kieran O'Hara will link up with the Under-21s for two crucial qualifiers against Kosovo and Germany.

Both goalkeeper Sean McDermott and forward Callum Robinson remain part of the squad after receiving their first senior call-ups when the provisional panel was announced last week.

The Ireland squad will train at the FAI National Training Centre on Monday, September 3 before then travelling to Cardiff on Tuesday, September 4 for the game against Wales. Then the squad will move on to Poland ahead of the game on Tuesday, September 11.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Colin Doyle (Hearts), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK), Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley), John Egan, Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Shaun Williams (Millwall), David Meyler (Reading), Daryl Horgan (Hibernian), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City)

Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Ipswich Town*), Graham Burke, Callum Robinson (Preston North End), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall)

*Indicates player is on loan

The U21 squad travel to Kosovo on Tuesday, September 4 for the qualifying match in Mitrovica, Kosovo on Friday, September 7, with kick-off at 6pm (7pm local time) before the match against Germany on Tuesday, September 11 at Tallaght Stadium, with kick-off at 6pm. 

Dundalk midfielder Jamie McGrath has been called into the squad following his impressive form for the Lilywhites in the SSE Airtricity League. Yeovil Town defender Shaun Donnellan has been ruled out of the fixtures through injury whilst QPR winger Olamide Shodipo is also sidelined. 

Leeds United's Connor Shaughnessy is recalled to the squad and Everton's Harry Charsley also comes back into the squad after he was ruled out of the Azerbaijan victory through injury. 

The Hale brothers, Ronan and Rory, who both scored in the 3-1 win over Iceland in March also keep their place in the squad as Noel King's side look to qualify for next year's U21 European Championships. 

Ireland are currently second in Group Five behind Germany in top spot having played one game less and ahead of Kosovo in third spot. Tickets for the game against Germany at Tallaght Stadium are priced at €5 for adults and FREE for U18s, and available via Ticketmaster. 

"The players are really looking forward to the week ahead and the squad are excited about the fixtures. They've got themselves into a great position going into the games and they'll look to secure more crucial points in these next two games," Noel King said.

"I'd like to welcome Jamie McGrath into the U21 squad for the first time. He's a player I've been watching for some time and has really impressed for Dundalk this season. It's also great to have Harry Charsley back in the squad after injury.

"The group are missing a few players, the likes of Connor Dimaio, Olamide Shodipo and Shaun Donnellan so the group will have to come together and work hard during the week to get the results we need."

Republic of Ireland U21 squad v Kosovo & Germany

Goalkeepers: Kieran O'Hara (Manchester United, loan Macclesfield Town), Liam Bossin (Nottingham Forest).

Defenders: Danny Kane (Cork City FC, loan AFC Fylde), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City, loan Mansfield United), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Connor Shaughnessy (Leeds United), Ryan Delaney (Rochdale), Corey Whelan (Liverpool, loan Crewe Alexandra).

Midfielders: Jake Mulraney (Hearts), Jamie McGrath (Dundalk), Ryan Manning (QPR, loan Rotherham United), Harry Charsley (Everton), Josh Cullen (West Ham United, loan Charlton Athletic), Rory Hale (Derry City).

Forwards: Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Joe Quigley (Maidstone), Reece Grego-Cox (Crawley Town), Ronan Hale (Birmingham City, loan Derry City).

Fixtures - UEFA U21 European Championships Qualifying

07/09/2018 - Kosovo v Republic of Ireland, 6pm (7pm local time), Stadioni Adam Jashari, Mitrovica
11/09/2018 - Republic of Ireland v Germany, 6pm, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin

Republic of Ireland Under-19 Head Coach Tom Mohan has named a 22-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Wales.

Five of the players that starred for the Ireland Under-17s in the recent UEFA European Under-17 Championships in England are named in the squad, while Mohan also welcomes back a further seven players that reached the Elite Round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Qualifiers in Portugal earlier this year.

Speaking at the squad announcement, Mohan was delighted to welcome the new players to the squad, and said Ireland's underage teams are thriving on the international stage.

"The Under-17 team were knocked out by European champions the Netherlands in England, while our Under-19s were knocked out in the Elite Round by eventual champions Portugal. Our players are competing at the high end of European football. It's an exciting group to work with."

With the 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Qualifying Round to come in October, Mohan wants to have a look at some players before that squad is named.

"You want to win matches, but if you get good performances there is a good chance you will get the right results."

Ireland's first game takes place in Longford on September 9th, with the second match taking place in Galway two days later.

Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (St. Patrick's Athletic), George McMahon (Burnley) 
Defenders: Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Tom Gaston (Girondins de Bordeaux), Jack James (Luton Town), Andy Lyons (Bohemians), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), 
Midfielders: Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Jordan Doherty (Sheffield United), Will Ferry (Southampton), Ryan Johansson (Bayern Munich), Jason Knight (Derby County)
Forwards: Jonathon Afolabi (Southampton), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Brandon Kavanagh (Shamrock Rovers),Glen McAuley (Liverpool), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Will Smallbone (Southampton)

Fixtures
9/9/18 - Republic of Ireland v Wales, City Calling Stadium, Longford, 3pm
11/9/18 - Republic of Ireland v Wales, Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway, 12pm

The two must take turns picking a block and asking the question on it. Check out the video with some hilarious moments included!

Full Story: Squad confirmed to face Wales and Poland.

Defender Shane Duffy (groin) and midfielder David Meyler (knee) sat out training on Monday, but both players were involved in the session on Tuesday that also included goalkeeper Sean McDermott and forward Jonathan Walters after they linked up with the squad.

Winger James McClean suffered a wrist injury during training and, after being assessed by the FAI medical team, he was brought to hospital for an x-ray and immediate surgery. McClean will miss the games against Wales and Poland.

Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Colin Doyle (Hearts), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK), Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley), John Egan, Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Shaun Williams (Millwall), David Meyler (Reading), Daryl Horgan (Hibernian), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City)
Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Ipswich Town*), Graham Burke, Callum Robinson (Preston North End), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall)

*Indicates player is on loan

Wife of the former FAI President Charlie Cahill, Lily was widely known around the country by the football family and further afield. 

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney led the tributes on Tuesday to the news of the passing of Mrs. Cahill.

“I was saddened to hear about the death of Lily early this morning. She was known throughout the Irish footballing community.

“Although Lily only became involved in football through Charlie, her enthusiasm for the game was infectious. Anywhere Charlie went, Lily was always there with him.

“I would like to pass on my condolences to her daughters Marie and Suzanne and Lily’s extended family at this time”.

CAPTION: In attendance at the unveiling of portraits of FAI Past Presidents in FAI Headquarters in 2012 are, from left, Suzanne Cahill, Charlie Cahill, Past President of the FAI, Lily Cahill and Marie Cahill.

Reigning champions Maynooth University Town have been drawn at home against Mid Sutton Sportslink, while last season's beaten finalists Firhouse Clover have received a Bye into the Second Round.

All games will take place on or before September 16th.

The club which secured funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the Sports Capital Programme (€41,000) and from the FAI (€40,000) to open their new pitch in the south of the town.

Over 300 players are registered with the club in 19 different teams. Club Chairman Mike O'Shea said the opening of the new all-weather pitch has given the club a new lease of life.

"Our Academy players began their season last week. There was more the double the amount of players there than there was on the same night last season. The opening of the pitch and the new facilities has revitalised the club.

"To have John Delaney and Minister Brendan Griffin in attendance at the opening was incredible. It makes the work all worthwhile.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney was delighted to join forces with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to help fund the new facility.

“I was delighted to see the great work being done in Killarney Athletic. With assistance from the FAI, the Sports Capital Fund and Minister Brendan Griffin, the club are now in a position to push on, off the field. The opening of this all-weather pitch is just the first step in that”.

14 of Osam's squad is made up of SSE Airtricity League players, with the remaining five playing at clubs in Northern Ireland, England and Spain.

Speaking ahead of the team's trip to Bulgaria, Osam said he was excited to be working with a new group of players.

"Some of the squad were with Jason Donohue last year in the Under-15s, while others will get their first taste of international football.

"This age-grade is about developing players, and I look forward getting on the training pitch with the players over the coming week in Bulgaria."

Ireland's first match against Bulgaria takes place on September 11th, with the second match taking place two days later. 

Republic of Ireland Under-16 Squad
Goalkeepers: Arlo Doherty (Manchester City), Josh Keely (St. Patrick's Athletic),
Defenders: Fionnan Coyle (Finn Harps), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (Real Betis), Oisin Hand (Shamrock Rovers), Leigh Kavanagh (Bray Wanderers), Ronan Kilkenny (Bohemians), Gavin O'Brien (Bohemians)
Midfielders: Louie Barry (West Bromwich Albion), Colin Conroy (Bohemians), Kyle Conway (St. Patrick's Athletic), Oran Crowe (Cork City), Lee Harkin (Tristar Boys), Ben McCormack (St. Patrick's Athletic), Andrew Moran (Bray Wanderers)
Forwards: Roland Banya (Shamrock Rovers), Daniel Gildea (Finn Harps), Callum Kavanagh (Middlesbrough), Billy Vance (Bray Wanderers)

Fixtures
11/9/18 - Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland, National Football Complex, 5pm (3pm Irish time)
13/9/18 - Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland, National Football Complex, 5pm (3pm Irish time)

Holders North End United enter the competition in the Second Round with an away game against Kilmore United, while last season's beaten finalists Pike Rovers are at home to Caledonians in the Second Round.

All First Round matches take place on the weekend of September 16th, with the Second Round ties set for the weekend of September 30th.

For away fans travelling to Cardiff City Stadium, The Football Supporters Federation Cymru (FSF Cymru) have produced an online guide. 

Download the full brochure below:

Noel King's squad travelled to Kosovo yesterday ahead of the qualifying match in Mitrovica on Friday, with kick-off at 6pm (7pm local time), as they look to qualify for their first-ever U21 European Championships finals. 

Members of the Irish Defence Forces are based in Pristina, Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR mission which is a peace-support mission in the region. There are 12 members of the Irish Defence Forces based in Pristina serving on the mission along with 29 other nations.

Major Greg O'Keeffe was joined by four other members of the forces; Mick Kelleher, Damien Keogh, Mark Gallagher and Paul Kiely. They were presented with a signed shirt by manager Noel King and U21 captain Josh Cullen, and also invited to the match on Friday as guests of the team. 

"We were delighted to invite them to training this evening and also to the game on Friday evening. We're a long way from home so we'll need all the support we can get on match-day," U21 manager Noel King said.

"It was great talking to them and finding out the work they do in Kosovo, and we'd like to thank them for coming out and meeting the team this evening."

Ireland U21 will travel back to Dublin after the Kosovo fixture to take on Germany at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, September 11, with kick-off at 6pm.

Tickets for the match are priced at just €5 for adults and FREE for U18s, and available via Ticketmaster now. 

He sat down with FAI TV to take on the Mastermind test - with Stephen Ward's international career being the specialist subject. How many can he get right out of 10?

What is the background to the UEFA Nations League?

The rejuvenation of national team football – and the UEFA Nations League – stems from the desire of UEFA and its 55 member associations to improve the quality and standing of national team football. UEFA and its associations wanted more sporting meaning in national team football, with associations, coaches, players and supporters increasingly of the opinion that friendly matches are not providing adequate competition for national teams.

Extensive consultation and discussions started as far back as the 2011 UEFA Strategy Meeting in Cyprus and continued at a series of Top Executive Programme (TEP) meetings over the following three years. The UEFA Nations League was unanimously adopted at the XXXVIII Ordinary UEFA Congress in Astana on 27 March 2014.

What is the basic format?

• The format of the UEFA Nations League features promotion and relegation. The 55 European national teams have been divided into four leagues in accordance with UEFA's national association coefficient rankings on 11 October 2017.
• League A includes the top-ranked sides and League D includes the lowest:

League A

Group A1: Germany, France, Netherlands
Group A2: Belgium, Switzerland, Iceland
Group A3: Portugal, Italy, Poland
Group A4: Spain, England, Croatia

• Teams have been split into four groups of three, with the group winners then contesting the UEFA Nations League Finals (semi-finals, third-place match and final) in June 2019 to become the UEFA Nations League winners. One host country will be appointed in December 2018 from among the finalist teams.
• The four teams that finish bottom of their groups will be relegated to League B for the 2020 edition.
• The top four ranked teams that do not qualify for UEFA EURO 2020 will enter a play-off in March 2020, with one finals place on offer.

League B

Group B1: Slovakia, Ukraine, Czech Republic
Group B2: Russia, Sweden, Turkey
Group B3: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Ireland
Group B4: Wales, Republic of Ireland, Denmark

• Teams have been split into four groups of three.
• The four group winners are promoted to League A, with the four sides that finish bottom relegated to League C for the next competition to be played in 2020.
• The top four ranked teams that do not qualify for UEFA EURO 2020 will enter a play-off in March 2020, with one finals place on offer

League C

Group C1: Scotland, Albania, Israel
Group C2: Hungary, Greece, Finland, Estonia
Group C3: Slovenia, Norway, Bulgaria, Cyprus
Group C4: Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania

• Teams have been split into one group of three (containing teams from Pots 1, 2 and 3 only) and three groups of four.
• Due to winter venue restrictions, a group could contain a maximum of two of these teams: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania.
• The four group winners are promoted to League B, with the four sides that finish bottom relegated to League D for the 2020 edition.
• The top four ranked teams that do not qualify for UEFA EURO 2020 will enter a play-off in March 2020, with one finals place on offer.

League D

Group D1: Georgia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Andorra
Group D2: Belarus, Luxembourg, Moldova, San Marino
Group D3: Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands, Malta, Kosovo
Group D4: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar

• Teams have been split into four groups of four.
• Due to excessive travel restrictions, any group could not contain a maximum of one of these pairs: Andorra & Kazakhstan, Faroe Islands & Kazakhstan, Gibraltar & Kazakhstan, Gibraltar & Azerbaijan
• The four group winners are promoted to League C for the 2020 edition.
• The top four ranked teams that do not qualify for UEFA EURO 2020 will enter a play-off in March 2020, with one finals place on offer.
• Leagues A and B consist of four groups of three teams
• League C comprises one group of three teams and three groups of four sides
• League D is formed by four groups of four teams
• The League Phase Draw for the UEFA Nations League took place at the SwissTech Convention Centre in Lausanne on 24 January 2018.
• In each league, four group winners are promoted (or play in the Finals, see below) and four teams are relegated for the next competition to be played in 2020.
• The overall UEFA Nations League rankings will determine the composition of the draw pots for the subsequent European Qualifiers.
• In addition, the UEFA Nations League will provide teams with another chance to qualify for the UEFA EURO final tournament, with four sides qualifying through play-off matches which take place in March 2020.

When will the UEFA Nations League take place?

The UEFA Nations League will take place as follows:

• The UEFA Nations League group games are being held over six matchdays, during the 'double-headers' in September, October and November 2018. The UEFA Nations League Finals competition for the teams that win the four groups within the top division is scheduled for June 2019.
• For the UEFA Nations League Finals, the group winners of UEFA Nations League A will play in a knockout format (semi-finals, third-place match and final) in June 2019 to become the UEFA Nations League winners. One host country will be formally appointed by the UEFA Executive Committee in December 2018 from one of the nations competing in the final four. Italy, Poland and Portugal (all in Group A3) have expressed interest.
• The play-off matches will be staged in March 2020.

Will qualifying for the UEFA EURO change?

The changes to UEFA EURO qualifying will make it more streamlined. The equation is now simple: ten groups with the top two teams in each group qualifying automatically, and the other four places being awarded to European Qualifiers play-off winners, in which the 16 group winners of the UEFA Nations League will be in contention.

The UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying draw will be made after the completion of the UEFA Nations League and allow for the four UEFA Nations League Finals participants to be drawn into groups of five teams.

But the key principle of the qualifiers remains: that every team can play every team.

The European Qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2020 commence in March 2019. There will be two matchdays in each of March, June, September, October and November 2019. In total, there will be five groups of five teams and five groups of six teams (ten groups in all) playing over ten matchdays (the same number as now). The winner and runner-up in each of the ten groups will qualify automatically for the UEFA EURO 2020 final tournament (June 2020).

• The last four EURO places will be won through the European Qualifiers play-offs, which will take place in March 2020 and which will be contested by the 16 UEFA Nations League group winners.
• If a group winner has already qualified via the European Qualifiers, then their spot will go to the next best-ranked team in their league. If a league does not have four teams to compete, the remaining slots are allocated to teams from another league, according to the overall UEFA Nations League ranking.  
• Each league will have a path of its own and each path will feature two single-leg semi-finals and one single-leg final. The winner of each path will win a ticket to UEFA EURO 2020.

How are the overall UEFA Nations League rankings calculated?

Within each league (A, B, C and D), the overall ranking will be calculated based on position in the group then points, goal difference, goals scored, away goals scored, wins, away wins, disciplinary points, coefficient ranking.

What are the advantages for national associations and teams?

National associations and coaches, in consultations with UEFA, revealed that they feel that friendly internationals are not providing adequate sporting competition. The UEFA Nations League creates more meaningful and competitive matches for teams and a dedicated calendar and structure for national team football.

Top teams can also aspire to take part in the UEFA Nations League Finals, a new top-level event.

For middle-ranking and smaller nations, the UEFA Nations League will offer an extra way to qualify for UEFA EURO final tournaments. Lower-tier countries – the bottom 16 in the rankings – are now guaranteed one of the 24 qualifying slots for UEFA EURO.

Lower-ranking teams who have struggled against sides ranked considerably higher than them will now get the chance to take part in balanced matches. Teams do not learn and progress by repeatedly losing; now some sides will start winning.

While the UEFA Nations League will replace most friendly internationals, there will still be space in the calendar for friendlies, especially for top teams who may want to face opposition from outside Europe as they will be in groups of three teams.

Associations and teams benefit from clarity of the fixture calendar, and there is now a clear buffer between the end of the UEFA EURO and FIFA World Cup, and vice versa, as well as stability of income.

What are the advantages for supporters?

Supporters more than most realise that most friendlies fail to deliver competitive and meaningful football. Now they will have the opportunity to see their teams play in more competitive matches, take part in a new competition and get a second chance to qualify for the major tournaments.

In every even year there are World Cup or UEFA EURO champions; now in every odd year there will be a UEFA Nations League winners. Football is about competition and now, just like in club football, there will be a national team champion at the close of every season.

Will this mean more demands on players and clubs?

No: the UEFA Nations League and European Qualifiers will adhere to the existing agreed international match calendar. UEFA is always keen to preserve the balance between club and international football. The new competition should, in fact, reduce demands on players and clubs with less travel envisaged for friendly games while national teams will be playing more consistently at their own level. With double-header matchweeks, players will even go back to their clubs earlier than is currently the case.

Is this just about generating more revenue?

No, finances are not a driver for the new competition. However, the competition will have the same centralised media rights as have recently been introduced for all European Qualifiers so associations will have even more stability in their income.

Will there be no more friendly internationals?

There will certainly be fewer friendly internationals and undoubtedly fewer meaningless friendlies. However, there will still be space in the calendar for friendly internationals – particularly warm-up matches for final tournaments. UEFA is also keen that European teams will still have the chance to play opponents from other confederations.

Republic of Ireland Under-16 Head Coach Paul Osam was joined at the event by Mayor of Tralee Graham Spring and SAFIB Executive Nixon Morton.

The Under-16 international tournament, features the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and will be held at Mounthawk Park, Tralee Dynamos and St. Brendan's Park in Tralee from November 12-16.

Speaking at the event, Ireland Head Coach Paul Osam said he hopes that his side can win the tournament for the third year in a row after previous successes in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

"It would be lovely to win for the third time in a row. This tournament is a great addition to the calendar for the Under-16 group. We're really looking forward to it."

Mayor of Tralee Graham Spring believes it is a massive coup for the town to host an international tournament.

"The town has a great sporting tradition. It's fantastic for Tralee to host an international tournament of this calibre. Hopefully its acts as an inspiration for young players in the region."

SAFIB Executive Nixon Morton is looking forward to Ireland hosting the event for the first time.

"It's brilliant that Tralee are hosting the event for the first time in Ireland. We look forward to a brilliant event with the four teams". 

2018 Victory Shield Fixtures
12/11/2018: Scotland v Wales, St. Brendan's Park, KO 1pm
12/11/2018: Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland, Mounthawk Park, KO 6pm

14/11/2018: Republic of Ireland v Wales, Mounthawk Park, KO 1pm
14/11/2018: Northern Ireland v Scotland, Mounthawk Park, KO 6pm

16/11/2018: Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Tralee Dynamos, KO 1pm
16/11/2018: Wales v Northern Ireland, Mounthawk Park, KO 1pm

Goals from Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsay and Connor Roberts was enough to see new Wales manager Ryan Giggs claim the victory in his first competitive game in charge at the expense of an Irish side, who responded in vain through Shaun Williams.

Ireland went into the match without several key players including James McClean, who grabbed a memorable winner the last time the sides met last October.

The Welsh started brightly and they took the lead in the sixth minute as Tom Lawrence raced onto Joe Allen’s precise through pass before drilling the ball past Darren Randolph at his near post.

The hosts doubled their lead when Gareth Bale curled an unstoppable effort into the top left corner from the edge of the box after 18 minutes before Aaron Ramsay slotted home the third in the closing stages of the first half.

Martin O’Neill’s side twice went close to reducing the deficit at the beginning of the second period but both Shane Duffy and Callum Robinson headed over the crossbar from close range.

Wales would add a fourth when Connor Roberts thumped an excellent volley into the bottom right corner before Ireland grabbed a consolation with 26 minutes remaining.

Substitute Shaun Williams grabbed his first international goal for Ireland as he regained possession from Aaron Ramsay before cleverly lifting the ball over the advancing keeper when through on goal.

WALES: Wayne Hennessy; Connor Roberts, Ashley Williams, Chris Mepham, Ben Davies (Paul Dummett 81); Ethan Ampadu (Matthew Smith 67), Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey; Brooks, Gareth Bale (Tyler Roberts 75), Tom Lawrence.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Darren Randolph; Seamus Colman, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark, Stephen Ward (Enda Stevens 60); Cyrus Christie, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Hourihane (Shaun Williams 55), Callum Robinson (Daryl Horgan 77); Callum O’Dowda, Jonathan Walters.

Referee: Clement Turpin (France).

Ireland underage international & Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher took part in the session after being invited by manager Martin O'Neill to train with the squad for two days.

The other players involved were either un-used or substitutes who came on in the loss to Wales, while the rest of the squad underwent a recovery session in the team hotel.

Forward Jonathan Walters has returned to Ipswich Town, while other players are being assessed by the FAI medical team.

The Ireland squad will train again in Wales on Saturday before departing for Poland ahead of their international friendly on Tuesday evening.