Heimir Hallgrímsson expressed his delight at the addition of another fixture in what could be the lead-up to a World Cup appearance.
A general view of the Estadio Enrique Roca in Murcia(Image: Angel Martinez – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Ireland will face Grenada, in a first ever fixture between the two nations, as part of a week-long training camp in Spain.
The game will take place at the Enrique Roca Stadium in Murcia with a 5pm kick-off (Irish time).
If Ireland succeed in progressing through the World Cup play-offs, the game will serve as one of three pre-tournament friendlies, with fixtures at home to Qatar (May 28) and away to Canada (June 6) already pencilled in.
The FAI confirmed the camp and the fixture in a statement, with Heimir Hallgrímsson saying: “We’re delighted to have this training camp and fixture officially confirmed.
“I want to thank the Association for getting this over the line, as it is a vital part of our strategic planning.
“While our entire focus is on being successful in the March play-offs, this camp is a crucial part of our long-term vision regardless of that outcome. It is about building squad depth and preparing for future tournaments.
“It will be a fantastic week of work in a high-quality environment. It provides a really good opportunity for some of the players who are on the fringe of the squad to come in, train with us for an extended period, and make a real impression.
“It’s not just about what they can do on the pitch; it’s equally important for us to get a feel for their personality, their character, and to see how they integrate with the group.
“This camp will be invaluable for us as we look to build a stronger, more competitive squad for the future.”
Grenada are currently ranked 164th in the FIFA world rankings, and their most recent result was a 1-0 home defeat to Jamaica last month.
They face two FIFA Series games later this month against Rwanda and either Estonia or Kenya.
Hallgrímsson’s squad will travel to Spain on Thursday May 7.
According to the FAI, the camp is “designed to maintain a high level of fitness and preparation for players whose domestic club seasons have concluded.
“The initiative is particularly important as the team looks ahead to a potential FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, should they be successful in the upcoming UEFA European Qualifier Play-Offs against Czechia and Denmark/North Macedonia.
“The squad for the training camp will be comprised mainly of players who have finished their club seasons and will provide a valuable opportunity for those on the fringe of the first-team to stake their claim for a place in the squad.”
Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.