Off we go!

The joys of an international friendly.

Unlike the famous rugby team, known as the All Blacks, New Zealand's football team is known as the All Whites and they will be wearing...well, white.

Just to confuse things, the Republic aren't wearing their traditional green but will be playing in their (you guessed it) new all black kit.

So it's the All Whites against the All Blacks. Wahey!

Image source, Getty Images

It's time for the anthems.

James McClean is the last man out of the tunnel.

He has his three kids with him, which is a nice touch on his final cap.

Image source, Getty Images

Shane Duffy and Chris Wood leads the teams out at the Aviva Stadium, which, being polite about it, isn't full.

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Aviva Stadium

In his programme notes for tonight, Stephen Kenny writes that he is "immensely proud to manage the Irish international team" before thanking his staff for the "tremendous support" they've given him over the last three years.

He also discusses the importance of "vision and ambition".

In perhaps a revealing window into his mindset over the last few years, he writes: "Ambition can take you to the darkest of places, it's difficult to undertake a radical rebuild without setbacks.

"You have to show conviction amidst criticism and adapt if required, but nurture talent, develop and believe in it."

Even if Kenny does depart, he certainly seems upbeat about the Republic of Ireland's future, saying that there now exists a "clear pathway" for players which will "serve Irish football well over the course of the next decade and more".

Here's how Stephen Kenny stacks up against previous Republic of Ireland managers.

For further context prior to this list, Mick McCarthy had a win percentage of 42.6% in his first stint from 1996 until 2002 and the legendary Jack Charlton's record stands at 50%.

We haven't included interim managers such as Noel King or Don Givens here, either.

Image source, Inpho

While Saturday's loss to the Netherlands was the Republic's sixth in eight qualifiers, the under-pressure Stephen Kenny referenced notable defeats by Wales, Cyprus and Macedonia suffered by his predecessors as he called for perspective.

Martin O'Neill's Republic lost 4-1 to Wales in 2018, Steve Staunton's side fell to a shock 5-2 reverse to Cyprus in 2006 and McCarthy oversaw a 3-2 defeat by Macedonia during his first spell in charge in 1997.

"We played Holland the other night, one of the best teams in Europe. People will have their own opinions on it, but I thought it was a good game of football," said Kenny.

"No question, Holland were the better team. We fought to the end of that game, we didn't create enough, we know that, and we defended for our lives when we needed to.

"It wasn't like we lost 4-1 to Wales or got hammered in Cyprus or Macedonia the other night, it was a tight game in Holland that we lost 1-0 and deserved to lose. It was one of those games, I think a bit of perspective on that."

Image source, Inpho

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny says if tonight's friendly against New Zealand is "my last game, so be it" with the Football Association of Ireland to make a decision regarding his future later this month.

Kenny's contract runs out after Tuesday's game.

The Dubliner, 52, has won just six of his 29 competitive games in charge.

"I sought clarification before this window in regard to my own position," Kenny said on Monday.

"If that wasn't the case, I would have made that clear earlier in the week. But from my point of view, obviously the decision is being made next week.

"But if it is my last game, so be it. If there is a new manager to follow me, I'll wish him well.

"Regardless of what decision is made and if there is a new manager to come in after me, I'll wish them well, and I'll wish the team well moving forward, and I'll always support Ireland, so from that point of view, that's the way I view it."

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Aviva Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

Here we are, then. Another year ends for the Republic of Ireland. It's a year that, like any, started with hope, a hope that gradually dwindled away as it became increasingly obvious that this team would not reach next summer's Euros in Germany.

But before the Republic can fully switch focus to 2024, some goodbyes must be said. Tonight marks the end for James McClean, who will turn out in green for the 103rd and final time.

McClean's farewell has been known for some time, and while it has not been confirmed, it is widely expected that manager Stephen Kenny will follow McClean out the door.

While being drawn in the same group as France and the Netherlands handed Kenny a steep uphill task from the get-go, the Republic's dismal qualifying campaign - in which they accrued just six points from eight games - hasn't exactly strengthened Kenny's position.

Kenny's fate will soon be decided, but for now he just wants his players to give the fans something to shout about as a disappointing year draws to a close.

Republic of Ireland

Belfast's Mark Sykes will make his first start for the Republic of Ireland tonight to add to his two cameo appearances off the bench.

Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal in place of Gavin Bazunu, while Shane Duffy and Andrew Omobamadele come into defence for the Liam Scales and injured Nathan Collins.

Jayson Molumby and Jamie McGrath come into midfield while Sykes, Mikey Johnston and Adam Idah will form the front three.

James McClean will start at left back as he makes his 103rd and final Republic of Ireland appearance.

Evan Ferguson, who limped off against the Netherlands, is fit enough for a place on the bench.

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is the headline name in the New Zealand team, while defender Nando Pijnaker plays his club football for Sligo Rovers.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, Doherty, Duffy, Omobamidele, McClean, Molumby, Knight, McGrath, Johnston, Sykes, Idah.

Subs: Travers, Bazunu, Manning, O'Shea, Cullen, Robinson, Browne, Ferguson, Knight, Scales, Parrott, Moran.

New Zealand: Crocombe, Payne, Pijnaker, Boxall, Cacace, Bell, Garbett, Stamenic, Singh, McCowatt, Wood.

Subs: Paulsen, Woud, Wilkins, Just, Champness, Smith, Surman, Greive, Bidon, Waine, Mata, Lewis.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Tonight's friendly comes after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, where the Republic of Ireland finished second from bottom in their group.

The two defeats by European heavyweights France and the Netherlands were expected, but it was the two Greece games that inflicted the damage as the Greeks triumphed in Athens and Dublin.

In fact, the Republic's only wins in the group came against lowly Gibraltar as the pressure piled onto Stephen Kenny.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

James McClean will become the outright fifth most capped player for Republic of Ireland - he's currently on 102 appearances and level with Steve Staunton,

Only Robbie Keane, Shay Given, John O’Shea and Kevin Kilbane have won more caps.

Image source, BBC/Inpho

Image source, Inpho

While Tuesday's friendly may be Kenny's last game in charge, it will definitely mark the end of James McClean's time as a Republic player.

Derry-born McClean, 34, will step away after earning his 103rd cap, having announced his intention to retire last month.

The Wrexham player says his decision to draw the curtain on an international career that began in 2012 was not driven by the physical demands of the modern game.

"I will be honest with you, it's not because of my body, or I feel my ability has diminished," said McClean, who joined Wrexham in August after the end of his second stint with Wigan.

"I still feel as fit as ever. I still believe I am the best person for the role.

"I have never doubted myself. I played 46 games out of 46 in the Championship last season, 45 of them starts. Ability wise, I was second for full-backs in goals and assists, and for most successful tackles in the whole league.

"There's other factors. I have personal reasons and my own reasons for stepping away, I feel now is the right time to step aside.

"Let others come through, I've had my time. For me now is the perfect time to step away. I have no regrets."

James McClean will retire from international football following tonight's game.

Here's some stats from his time in green.

Image source, BBC/Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Hello - or should we say goodbye?

Tonight's friendly between the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand will mark the end of an era as James McClean hangs up his international boots in front of a home crowd.

It could also be Stephen Kenny's last game as manager. His contract is up next week and there has been plenty of speculation that this may be his last outing after an underwhelming qualifying Euro 2024 campaign.

You can follow live updates here. You won't miss a thing.

Image source, Inpho