As if Martin O'Neill didn't have enough problems after Thursday's 4-1 thumping by Wales, he was then left trying to explain an audio recording of left-back Stephen Ward's description of assistant boss Roy Keane's row with Harry Arter and Jonathan Walters last May.

We'll not use the precise terminology used by the former Manchester United star as he tore into the duo for missing a training session when they were nursing knocks.

Arter responded by making himself unavailable for the Nations League opener and tonight's game.

Ward and Walters both played in Cardiff but are not involved tonight because of fitness issues.

The view that the volatile Keane has become a liability around the Irish squad is now widespread but O'Neill described his assistant as "brilliant" in Monday evening's rather bizarre news conference.

Image source, Inpho

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill makes five changes from the side which lost 2-1 to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Uefa Nations League on Saturday.

Trevor Carson replaces Bailey Peacock-Farrell in goals, with Paddy McNair, Corry Evans, Jordan Jones and Will Grigg also drafted in.

Peacock-Farrell, Conor McLaughlin, Oliver Norwood, Niall NcGinn and Kyle Lafferty drop to the bench.

O'Neill sticks with his 4-3-3 formation.

N Ireland: Carson, Lewis, J Evans, Saville, Davis, C Evans, Dallas, Jones, McNair, Cathcart, Grigg.

Here's the action we have for you tonight.

(All 19:45 BST kick-offs unless stated otherwise)

Friendlies:

Northern Ireland v Israel

Poland v Republic of Ireland

England v Switzerland (20:00 BST)

Nations League:

Spain v Croatia

Iceland v Belgium

Image source, Reuters

Today would have seen Jamie Vardy in England action at his home ground, but the 31-year-old - alongside Chelsea defender Gary Cahill - has "stepped aside" from international football.

The poor guys had a piece written about them on the BBC Sport website and off they went.

On the other hand, Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder had a mock living room set up for him on the pitch with highlights of his career being shown on a telly when he bowed out last week.

That's the way to go out. With that in mind...

What would be your perfect international send off?

Have your shirt number retired? Be whisked off at full time in a hot air balloon?

Let me know your suggestions on Twitter using #bbcfootball, external or text in on 81111 (UK only). Remember to put names on text.

Image source, Getty Images

In case you were not aware, this friendly takes place at Leicester's King Power Stadium - not Wembley.

England come into the game on the back of three consecutive defeats after losing in the semi-finals of the World Cup to Croatia, the third/fourth place play-off v Belgium and the Nations League opener against Spain.

The Three Lions have never lost four on the trot.

Image source, Getty Images

"Looking back on when we first met,

"I cannot escape and I cannot forget,

"Southgate you're the one,

"You still turn me on,

"Football's coming home again."

This may only be a friendly but England go into the match looking to avoid an unwanted record.

Manager Gareth Southgate has gained plenty of praise for restoring a nation's pride during his reign, but could all that hard work come undone today?