The Republic of Ireland will play Serbia - ranked 30th in the world - in an international friendly at Croke Park on May 24th.

Having drawn Montenegro in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, the FAI were keen to secure a game against a team with a similar playing style.

It is expected to be the second game in charge for the new senior manager.  FAI chief executive John Delaney is keen to have the new boss installed in time for the friendly with Brazil on February 6th.

Serbia and Montenegro competed under the same flag for the last time at the 2006 World Cup finals but failed to progress from their group.

As an independent state, Serbia then failed to qualify for next summer's European finals by falling three points shy of Portugal and four off Group A winners Poland.