TONIGHT’S ENCOUNTER will be the seventh international match between Ireland and Georgia.
Here’s what happened the other times that the teams have met…
1. Georgia 1-2 Ireland (Euro 2004)
Brian Kerr’s first competitive match in charge was anything but straightforward. A late Gary Doherty header got the Irish team out of jail, after a Levan Kobiashvili free kick had cancelled out Damien Duff’s 18th-minute opener. The game will also be remembered for the tense atmosphere in which it took place, as a number of Irish players were hit by missiles thrown by members of the crowd.
2. Ireland 2-0 Georgia (Euro 2004)
Both Tottenham players at the time, Robbie Keane and Gary Doherty were on target as Brian Kerr’s side earned a deserved win at Lansdowne Road.
3. Georgia 1-2 Ireland (World Cup 2010 qualifier)
Giovanni Trapattoni’s first match was played at a neutral venue in Germany owing to the Russian invasion of Georgia. Kevin Doyle’s header and Glenn Whelan’s pot shot put Ireland in control, before Levan Kenia grabbed a consolation for the Georgians in injury time.
4. Ireland 2-1 Georgia (World Cup 2010 qualifier)
Two late goals from Robbie Keane rescued Ireland after a distinctly average performance from Giovanni Trapattoni’s side at Croke Park. The visitors had led for much of the game through Alexander Iashvilli’s goal, before a controversial equaliser got Ireland back in the game, after the referee awarded a dubious penalty in the home side’s favour.
5. Ireland 4-0 Georgia (2013 Friendly)
Ireland enjoyed a comfortable victory in this 2013 friendly at the Aviva Stadium. Goalkeeper Giorgi Loria’s sending off after 20 minutes paved the way for an easy win, as Robbie Keane (2), Richard Keogh and Simon Cox were on target.
6. Georgia 1-2 Ireland (Euro 2016 qualifier)
The most recent encounter between the sides was surely their closest game yet. Aiden McGeady’s brace won it in the end, after Tornike Okriashvili’s superb strike made life difficult for Martin O’Neill’s men.
Amazed not one comment about this lad – real crisp passer and lovely break – very young and not much experience etc but one to watch o reckon