Martin O'Neill extends Republic of Ireland contract

The Moldovans will run out at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening having not won a competitive match since they beat Montenegro 5-2 in Podgorica in October 2013, but desperate to add to the meagre two Group D points they have collected from their opening eight World Cup qualifiers.

However, O'Neill has indicated that he wants to sit down with Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney and thrash out a new two-year deal which will take in the Euro 2020 campaign.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland welcome world champions Germany to Windsor Park tonight. The reverse fixture nearly a year ago to the day finished 3-1 to the Boys in Green and with home advantage and realistic hopes of a play-off spot, there are few reasons to oppose O'Neill's men making the flawless start to this double header.

"The future now with some younger players coming through, taking over from the old guard who may retire naturally through old age as much as anything else, I think it is exciting times for us".

It also means, if Moldova finish bottom, they only have one game left to be counted in that table (against Wales).

Forecast: More rain is likely through Saturday around noon
Expect another warm day with highs in the low 80s inland and in the upper 70s along the coast. "We had some rain overnight ". Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm.

Black Stars will shock Uganda-Kwesi Appiah
"Everyone knows the hard situation we find ourselves in the campaign", Appiah was quoted as saying by Ghanasoccernet on Tuesday. Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has admitted that it will not be easy playing Uganda in Kampala.

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I think this will be a dramatic one and I'm fearing it will be late heartbreak again, but there will be no complaints from me if we really have a go.

"I think that he can improve greatly on his hold-up play outside the penalty area and I have said that to him". I certainly would be looking forward to it.

Asked if he felt his near-four-year reign to date could be considered successful, regardless of how the ongoing qualification bid pans out, the manager replied: "Well, we qualified for a competition - one out of one". Too often in the past, Ireland have struggled to put away inferior opponents but showed what they are capable of against Moldova when given licence to pass the ball through midfield.

Robbie Brady and James McClean are out due to suspension.

Shane Long's struggles are a particular concern but I can see a few different players chipping in and helping them out on Friday.