While the Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane era at the Republic of Ireland helm got underway late last year, a new dawn will begin for Serbia in Dublin on Wednesday night.

Following an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign, Sinisa Mihajlovic resigned as head coach in November. He has been replaced by Ljubinko Drulovic, who has previously taken charge of the country's youth teams.

Drulovic has made a mark already, having recalled Adem Ljajic following a two-year absence, while FC Twente centre-forward Dusan Tadic has also been included.

As for hosting Ireland, they will be without Queens Park Rangers duo Kevin Doyle and Richard Dunne, both of whom have withdrawn with niggling injuries. Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid has also been ruled out with a groin complaint.

These nations have met on two previous occasions, both of which have ended in draws. Their most recent match was back in 2012 when Andy Keogh scored a stoppage-time for the equaliser the Irish.

Recent form

ROI: LLLWWD

Serbia: LDWWWD

Possible starting lineups

ROI: Forde; Ward, O'Shea, Wilson, Coleman; McGeady, McCarthy, McArthur, McClean; Long, Walters

Serbia: Stojkovic; Kolarov, Ivanovic, Bisevac, Basta; Tosic, Matic, Ljajic, Petrovic; Tadic, Dordevic

Sports Mole says: 1-1

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