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On that occasion, Eoin Hand’s side – which included Packie Bonner, Mick McCarthy and David O’Leary – emerged on top on a 1-0 scoreline courtesy of Eamonn O’Keeffe’s goal.
The current China side failed to reach the next phase of the World Cup 2006 qualification schedule before Christmas, a disappointment which cost Dutch international legend Arie Haan his job.
The Chinese football authorities have confirmed that their next appointment will not be another foreign coach, with Shenzhen’s Zhu Guanghu tipped to be installed before their tour of Europe, which will also take in a meeting with Spain.
The agreement with the Chinese federation will come as a surprise to some, as next year’s World Cup hosts Germany had been linked with a glamour friendly in Dublin in March.
Before their clash with Fifa’s 2004 “Best Movers” – despite their World Cup heartache, China leaped 32 places in the official rankings last year – Ireland will be in World Cup action against Israel in Tel-Aviv on March 26th.
However, while qualification rivals Israel, France and Switzerland will be preparing for crucial matches on March 30th, the Irish players will be in relaxation mode after their friendly 24 hours earlier.
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In other friendly news, the FAI have entered discussions with a number of countries about the possibility of taking in another international in the late summer or autumn, most likely on August 17th.