Republic of Ireland to face Mexico in New Jersey in June

The Republic of Ireland will travel to the United States this summer to face Mexico in a friendly at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on Thursday, June 1.

The friendly will kick off an intensive month for Martin O'Neill's side as they face Uruguay at the Aviva Stadium three days later before the vital World Cup qualifier at home to Austria on June 11^th.

The extra friendly should give O'Neill an opportunity to run over some of his fringe and up-and-coming players in a competitive setting ahead of the potentially pivotal qualifier.

"This is a brilliant match for us in our preparation for our World Cup qualifier against Austria," O'Neill told the FAI's official website.

"Mexico in the United States couldn't be much tougher but it's exactly what we want.

“We have another game against Uruguay a few days later at the Aviva Stadium before the Austria game the following week.

"The players who may not have played for a while after their club season has ended will, I'm sure, relish the opportunity to play against such quality opposition."

MetLife Stadium – known as Giants Stadium until the old ground was demolished in 2010 – was the site of arguably Ireland's finest moment on the world stage.

Ray Houghton's goal against Italy secured Jack Charlton's side a memorable first World Cup win at USA '94 and they secured passage to the second round with a 0-0 draw against Norway there a week later.

The Boys in Green last played at the upgraded venue – which is home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets NFL teams – in a 5-0 defeat to Portugal in 2014 at the beginning of Martin O'Neill's reign.