Thursday 17 January 2019 16:39, UK
New Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will send out his team to face Bulgaria and New Zealand in friendly internationals later this year.
The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the Republic will host the Bulgarians at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday September 10, five days after their UEFA 2020 qualifier against Switzerland.
New Zealand will also head for Dublin on Thursday November 14, as Ireland warm up for their final qualifier against Denmark at the same venue four days later.
The Republic of Ireland have met Bulgaria on nine previous occasions, but have never before faced the All Whites.
McCarthy will launch his second spell as Ireland manager against Gibraltar in March after replacing Martin O'Neill at the helm in November last year.
