Image source, Inpho

Here's more on the enforced three changes for Hallgrimsson. John O'Shea says the conversation with Doherty was "straightforward".

"In terms of that experience that's needed around the group, he's one of the elder statesmen as well and it's important to have that experience of lads who have been around the group for a long time," he added.

"It's getting the balance right and trying the newer players in different positions, getting the balance of that right over the next few games and planning going forward."

Norwich defender Duffy had been recalled after making only one appearance for the Irish team over the previous 12 months, while Robbie Brady is absent with an ankle injury.

"Shane was back in and loses out unfortunately, so there's three really experienced players, and you're coming into two really important games, Finland in particular which we know we have to get the right result in that game and then we can focus on England.

"Shane got back into the Norwich team, had a couple of injuries, and then got back in and was playing really well, and then unfortunately he just picked up that little issue that will keep him out of this camp."

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Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says he had "no doubt" about drafting Matt Doherty into his squad.

The Wolves defender was called into the group for the double-header after captain Seamus Coleman withdrew because of injury, with another full-back, Southampton's Ryan Manning also added.

The 32-year-old was omitted from Hallgrimsson's squad for last month's 2-1 win over Finland and 2-0 defeat by Greece, and was also left out of the Icelandic manager's original panel for this international window.

The Republic face Finland in Dublin on Thursday and then play England at Wembley on Sunday to conclude their League B2 campaign.

"Just to answer on Matt, we always said we did not want to have both Matt and Seamus at the same time, to think a little bit for the future, so missing Seamus, and Shane Duffy too, two really experienced players, no doubt in my mind that Matt was the replacement there," explained Hallgrimsson.

The Republic of Ireland boss says his relationship with Doherty remains good despite the player's absence from recent squads.

"It has been quite pleasant. He is a nice guy," he added.

Image source, Getty

Speaking of the FAI Cup final, it's been a difficult few weeks for Derry City.

The Candystripes finished fourth in the Premier Division despite being locked in a title race with eventual champions Shelbourne for much of the season.

They had the chance to salvage something from their campaign by bringing a second FAI Cup in three years back to the Brandywell against a Drogheda side who have a promotion/relegation play-off to come against Bray Wanderers.

Yet the league collapse, rather than galvanising the side, seemed to have a lasting impact as they failed to get going at the Aviva Stadium.

"We didn’t do ourselves justice, we had a lot of the ball but didn’t do anything with it and we didn’t hurt them enough," Higgins told BBC Sport NI.

"It's strange, three weeks ago we were in contention to win a double and we've won nothing".

"Emotionally, it is tough right now and congratulations to Drogheda, but it’s been a really tough few weeks."

Image source, Getty Images

As well as the Republic of Ireland, a depleted England side are in action against Greece in Group B2 this evening.

After beating Bulgaira 5-0 in their last outing, Northern Ireland are back in action against Belarus tomorrow evening in Belfast, while Scotland take on Croatia in Glasgow.

Last, but by no means least, Craig Bellamy's Wales take on Turkey in Kayseri on Saturday as they look to continue their good form.

Image source, Inpho/Getty Images

One thing to look out for this evening is the surface at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland's rugby team faced New Zealand on Friday in the first of four matches for Andy Farrell's side in Dublin.

The rugby posts were taken down and goalposts installed as Drogheda stunned Derry City in the FAI Cup final on Sunday.

The football markings remain for tonight's game, but this is a third huge match in the space of seven days.

It will then be flipped back to a rugby pitch for Ireland's game with Argentina tomorrow night.

The ground staff in Dublin are known as some of the best in the business, so I'm sure they'll have it in tip-top shape.

Here's how things are shaping up in Group B2 after four rounds of fixtures.

A depleted England are also in Athens this evening to take on Greece, so we'll have a clearer picture come the end of tonight's matches.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

It has gone by as quick as a flash, but the final round of Nations League fixtures are here.

The Republic of Ireland take on Finland in their penultimate Group B2 match and it could be a defining night in the League B fates of both sides.

There was drama in Helsinki last month as Robbie Brady scored a late winner, and those in attendance at the Aviva Stadium will be hoping to a similar level of excitement later.

You can follow the game right here, with live text updates as they happen and reaction from Dublin.