Northern Ireland and Republic draw 0-0 in training game

Republic manager Martin O'Neill with Northern Ireland's Michael O'Neill

Northern Ireland have drawn 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland in Thursday's behind-closed-doors training match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The sides were using the fixture as preparation for key Euro 2016 qualifying games on 13 June.

Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland host Group F leaders Romania while the Republic are at home to Scotland in a pivotal Group D game.

The Republic play England in a friendly match in Dublin on Sunday.

Martin O'Neill fielded an entirely different Republic line-up for the second half of Thursday's match as he attempted to improve match-fitness levels.

O'Neill told FAI TV: "It was more than useful, it was very good, particularly for some of the players who had not played for quite some considerable time.

"In terms of the opposition, they were strong and it was great for us.

"Northern Ireland have been together for a number of days now. They had the game against Qatar and they are looking quite strong, so for us it was excellent."