O'Neill hopes for trouble-free game

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are scheduled to meet on Thursday night, with ROI manage Martin O’Neill hoping for a trouble-free game. 

Despite a troubled political history between the two nations, Republic manager Martin O'Neill believes both sides have always tried to work together.

"I've been involved now five years with the Republic of Ireland side and Michael and I spoke a couple of years ago about playing a game behind closed doors, in preparation for the Euros back in 2016", he told 'Sky Sports. 

"I think there's always an attempt to have a decent relationship and I think hopefully [last night] is the start of proceedings and also the game [tonight]."

More than anything else I'd like a really good game and for the game to be trouble-free. I'd like it to be played in a committed fashion as well and obviously it's good preparation for both of us for coming fixtures.

"If you talk about the current political climate then I think you probably would agree that in terms of timing it's nice [to have this fixture] and hopefully everything goes smoothly and brilliantly."

The 66-year-old, who won 64 caps for Northern Ireland and captained his country at the 1982 World Cup, also hopes Thursday night's game will be carried out without controversy