Tuesday 10 March 2015 12:16, UK
Northern Ireland are close to confirming a friendly against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in May.
Sky Sports News HQ understands the Irish Football Association is in advanced talks over the match, which would take place in England but not London.
Michael O'Neill's side are also expected to face Wales in Cardiff before hosting Romania in Belfast in a European Qualifier on June 13.
The likely dates are May 31 for Qatar - a first-ever meeting - and June 4 for Wales, with the carefully planned warm-up games viewed by the IFA as essential preparation for a campaign that has left Northern Ireland with realistic hopes of reaching a first major tournament in almost 30 years.
Northern Ireland host Finland on March 29 and victory would leave O'Neill's team eight points clear of fourth place, should Faroe Islands lose in Romania.
