The visit to Eastern Europe will be Ireland’s 22nd clash with Poland, though the first since 1991 when Jack Charlton’s team drew 3-3 with the Poles in Poznan.
The visit will also be a special occasion for Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner who made his debut for Ireland on his 21st birthday in 1981. On that occasion, things didn’t go to plan for Ireland (who also included Ireland assistant manager Chris Hughton in the side) as Poland ran out 3-0 victors. Kerr and his team will be hoping that this occasion is different as they continue their preparations for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers which begin on September 4 when Ireland host Cyprus in Dublin.
The Ireland Under 21 side – fresh from their victory in the Madeira International Tournament – will also travel to Poland for a clash in Grudziadz against the Poland Under 21 side.
Don Given's side’s most recent clash with Poland was only last year when a hat-trick by Stephen Elliott ensured Ireland claimed a 5-1 victory in Gdansk.