Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

I think it should be one nil. It's a big miss to be honest. It's one of the first times an Irish player has got ahead of the defender. Ferguson's got to head that on target.

The Republic should be in front, as Ferguson heads wide from McClean's inviting delivery.

The teenage striker beat Coleing to the ball, but it appears the goalkeeper's presence unsettled him as he directs his header off target from close range.

The Republic are getting closer to the opener.

Image source, Inpho

Although he wasn't included in the squad for these qualifiers Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy is in attendance at the Aviva Stadium this evening to support the team.

Let's hope the Republic won't miss his threat from set pieces tonight.

Image source, Inpho

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

Gibraltar just can't get anything going at the moment. Ireland have lots of possession. With the three centre halves, I'm not sure you need them in a game like tonight's. Two of them are redundant most of the time.

Ferguson has his first sight on goal after a quiet start to the game. It wasn't the teenager's best strike, as his curling effort from range is an easy take for Coleing.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

What a ball! When Ireland play with a bit of pace and play it quickly they look a different team. Jason Knight again down the right hand side with a lovely ball in, Obafemi wasn't too far away.

It is that man Knight again, who has been at the heart of everything good the Republic have done so far.

He puts in another teasing low delivery, which Obafemi fails to connect with.

If he had have got anything on that he would have a goal.

James McClean whips in a corner to the back post which narrowly misses Nathan Collins.

The defender claims his shirt was pulled in the box, but the referee waves away his appeal.

Josh Cullen attempts to thread the ball through to Evan Ferguson, but it is cut out at the last minute.

That was a vital intervention as the Brighton striker would have been through on goal.

The Republic need to be patient here to break down a compact Gibraltar defence.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

Eight minutes into the game and we haven't really talked too much about Evan Ferguson. He's being marshalled by three centre-backs and two sitting midfielders. Ireland need to get him on the ball a bit more.

Image source, Inpho

James McClean leads the Republic of Ireland as captain out on his 100th appearance for his country.

Image source, Inpho

The Republic's attacking intent has been clear from kick-off here.

Gavin Bazunu is the only player in his own half every time Stephen Kenny's side go forward.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

It's the start that we've been looking for. Very positive, getting numbers into advanced positions. The two wing-backs, Jason Knight and James McClean are playing like wingers.

Jason Knight is seeing a lot of the ball at the start of this game.

He again cuts the ball back into the box after a marauding run, but Kian Ronan thrashes the ball clear for the first corner of the game before anyone in green can get on the end of it.

Almost straight from kick-off the Republic come close to opening the scoring.

Jason Knight, who is starting at right-wing back, drives forward and pulls it back to Jamie McGrath inside the area.

The midfielder had made a darting run into the box, but his low effort is straight at Dayle Coleing, who gathers at the second attempt.

A bright start from the hosts.

Michael Obafemi gets us underway at a sunny Aviva Stadium.

The teams are out and now it is time for the national anthems after President Michael D Higgins presented James McClean with his 100th cap.

World Cup finalists France are top of Group B with maximum points from their opening three fixtures.

Meanwhile, Greece are in second with two wins from their two games, following victory against the Republic in Athens on Friday.

Les Bleus host the Greeks at the Stade de France this evening.

The Netherlands are third with three points, with the Republic fourth and without a point from their two games.

Gibraltar prop up the table with zero points after three fixtures.

The Netherlands are not involved in Euro qualifiers this month due to their participation in the Nations League.

As a result, the Republic can move level on points with them with a victory this evening.

Republic of Ireland fans young and old descend upon Dublin ahead of tonight's game at the Aviva Stadium.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

On a historic night for Republic's centurion James McClean, it is also a proud evening for Europa and Gibraltar defender Jayce Olivero, who will make his 50th appearance for his country tonight.

Can Gibraltar really make his night one to remember by getting a result in Dublin?