Nations League: Republic of Ireland beaten by Finland - reaction

1. Republic of Ireland 0-1 Finland - sub Jensen scores winner
2. ROI drew with Bulgaria in Nations League opener
3. Finland lost to Wales in their opener
4. Wales beat Bulgaria earlier in afternoon
5. Get involved via #bbcfootball or text 81111

Pukki-powered Finland look to bounce back

Finland secured qualification for Euro 2020 - now set for 2021 - by finishing second in Group J behind Italy.

Six victories in 10 games was enough to seal a first ever major tournament appearance - helped along by 10 goals from Norwich striker Teemu Pukki.

Markku Kanerva's side struggled to create chances for Pukki as they were beaten 1-0 by Wales in their Nations League opener, and they arrive in Dublin seeking a first ever victory over the Republic of Ireland.

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Hopefully we'll learn a bit more about what we can be expected from Stephen Kenny's time as Republic of Ireland boss today.

But what are your thoughts so far? Agree with Conor Hourihane that this can this side can live up to Kenny's vision? Is there anything different you'd like to see him try?

Let me know using #bbcfootball

'Kenny's vision is refreshing' - Hourihane

Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane is all for manager Stephen Kenny's vision for a more possession-based and attack-minded Republic of Ireland side.

"It is refreshing to hear that. He definitely believes in us and definitely believes that there is quality in this squad," said Hourihane.

"If you go through the team, we're all pretty much playing in the Premier League. There is quality in the squad. Yes, we may be missing that Gareth Bale for Wales at the top, top level, but there are some very good footballers here throughout the squad."

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What happened last time out?

Captain Shane Duffy's injury-time goal rescued a draw for the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League opener in Bulgaria, in new manager Stephen Kenny's first game in charge.

A youthful Republic attack missed chances in Sofia as Kenny, who succeeded Mick McCarthy in April, handed a senior debut to Norwich City striker Adam Idah, with the 19-year-old flanked by Aaron Connolly, 20, and Callum O'Dowda, 25.

He's gone with the same front three today.

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Earlier...

Liverpool's Neco Williams popped up with a last-gasp 94th-minute winner for Wales against Bulgaria earlier, to hand Ryan Giggs' side two wins from two.

It means Wales sit five clear at the top of the group ahead of Republic of Ireland's meeting with Finland.

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Brighton's Molumby makes debut

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny hands 21-year-old Brighton midfielder Jayson Molumby his senior international debut among three changes to the side which drew with Bulgaria on Thursday.

Harry Arter and Robbie Brady also come into the midfield, as Jeff Hendrick, James McCarthy and Conor Hourihane drop out.

Republic of Ireland XI: Randolph, Doherty, Duffy, Egan, Stevens, Molumby, Arter, Brady, O'Dowda, Idah, Connolly

Finland boss Markku Kanerva also makes three changes to the side beaten by Wales, as Nikolai Alho, Nicholas Hamalainen and Robert Taylor start.

Norwich City's Teemu Pukki leads the line, alongside Hamburg's Bayer Leverkusen loanee Joel Pohjanpalo.

Finland XI: Hradecky, Alho, Vaisanen, Ojala, O'Shaughnessy, Hamalainen, Kamara, Sparv, Taylor, Pukki, Pohjanpalo

Kenny eyes perfect home start

Stephen Kenny had to make do with a 1-1 draw away to Bulgaria in his first match as Republic of Ireland manager on Thursday.

Now it's time for his first home game, albeit it in an empty Aviva Stadium.

Can the hosts maintain an unbeaten start to the Kenny era as they welcome Finland to Dublin this evening?

It's time for another helping of Nations League action. Welcome!

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