The GAA Central Council yesterday provisionally approved the soccer association's application to play two games, with dates now pencilled in for Steve Staunton's Irish squad in both February and March.

And, though it is understood the FAI will wait until the Euro 2008 qualification series is over before arranging fixtures, the opposition nevertheless looks set to be of a high quality.

Should Ireland qualify for Austria-Switzerland next year, then the association will be looking to provide Staunton's team with buildup games that adequately prepare the side for their group opponents in the competition.

But even if Ireland fail to make the finals, given the size of Croke Park and its revenue potential, the FAI will be seeking top-class sides to appear. Though last year's rumours of Brazil arriving look no more than that, the FAI did confirm that they would be seeking fixtures that potentially improve Irleand's Fifa worldranking position.