Republic of Ireland v Belgium - international friendly live: Vanaken gives visitors lead as Boys in Green head towards first defeat in seven

Thierry Henry, Belgium's assistant manager, is roundly booed as he appears on the big screen at the Aviva.

The Ireland fans still haven't forgotten his infamous handball in the World Cup play-off of 2009.

After a dozen passes, Belgium up the tempo as Batshuayi creates the space for another shot, aiming for Kelleher's near post. This time he fails to find the target.

One and two touch football from the Red Devils as they continue to play around the chasing Ireland men.

Belgium have only grown in confidence since opening the scoring. They're dominating the ball and when they lose it they'll quickly get it back thanks to their intense pressing.

Belgium may be missing their better players but there's still plenty of qualify on display, as Batshuayi sets himself up for another shot but Cullen jumps in at the last second and it's deflected behind for a corner.

That's the first goal Kelleher, making his third appearance for Ireland, has let in for his country.

Nothing he could have done about this one.

A goal out of absolutely nothing! Ireland give the ball up cheaply in midfield, Vanaken carries it forward before feeding Batshuayi. Nothing seems to be on for the on-loan Besiktas striker, but he cuts inside and bends a delicious shot into the corner of goal, leaving Kelleher with no chance!

Some way to mark your 40th international appearance!

Cheers from the Ireland fans as Hazard overhits a pass intended for Saelemaekers.

Belgium's passing has been wayward so far.

Continuing the battle in the centre of the pitch, Tielemans concedes possession to Knight and fouls him in a bid to retrieve the ball.

That's a duel to keep an eye on.

The word has a referee with Knight for a strong challenge on Tielemans. The Ireland midfielder won the ball, clearly, but his studs were showing.

A first touch for Kelleher, who is finally handed an opportunity to impress in between the sticks for Ireland.

As you would expect in an international friendly, the game is being played at a slow pace.

Hendrick tries a piercing through ball as he searches for the run of Robinson but he gets too much on the pass and it runs through to Mignolet.

Belgium, in their white and black kit, get the ball moving.

A minute's applause takes place to show support for Ukraine ahead of kick-off.

Kick-off fast approaching. After an impressive run of form, Ireland get to test themselves against the world's best side, according to FIFA. It's hardly make or break tonight, but with Euro 2024 qualification a must for Stephen Kenny, a win would give them a solid platform on which to build.

For Belgium, a number of players have an opportunity to stake a place in the team in Qatar.

Belgium XI: Mignolet, Boyata, Theate, Denayer, Saelemaekers, Dendoncker, Tielemans, Hazard, Vanaken, Batshuayi, de Ketelaere.

Republic of Ireland XI: Kelleher; Coleman, Duffy, Egan, Doherty, Cullen, Hendrick, McClean, Ogbene, Robinson, Knight.

Kenny's side cruised to a 3-0 win over Luxembourg in their last match, just days after holding Portugal to a goalless draw. In fact, Ireland haven't conceded in four matches and progress is clearly being made. Confidence is high as the Football Association of Ireland celebrates its 100th year.

Roberto Martinez: "I think it’s [Stephen Kenny's success with Ireland] one of the great stories in international football, because when you’re managing at international level you’ve got two choices: you try to bring your best performance and compete or create an idea of play and almost work like you would do at club level and then that takes time.

"But they have clear concepts and clear ways of trying to get the players to enjoy it, and that’s what Stephen Kenny has done. It is very recognisable the way that Ireland play.

"It’s very brave, attack-minded, clear on their system and I think he’s getting rewards. You have to be patient because it takes time.

"It’s a longer time at international level to be able to get those relationships and that understanding on the football pitch.

"But I’m looking at the record of Ireland in the last 10 games and I think it speaks volumes of the style of play, he’s bringing the strengths of the players to the next level which has been very interesting to follow from abroad."

“Belgium are the world No 1 team for a reason,” the Ireland boss said. “They’re very consistent in their approach for every game, regardless of Nations League, friendlies or qualifiers.

“That’s why they’re No 1 - they’ve racked up the wins regardless. They’ve got huge strength in depth.

“I know Lukaku isn’t going to be in the team, but they’ve got Divock Origi, Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke as options for one position.

“It’s not a young Belgian team, it’s a very experienced team and physically big - players like Hans Vanacken who is 6ft 5in and Leander Dendoncker, physically strong players.

“Youri Tielemans is one of the most sought-after midfield players in Europe at the moment, very influential, so they’ve a formidable team.”

“We’re not playing to contain and nick something on the break, or try and get a set-piece, or play a low block.

“I’m just not going to do that. We've got good enough players to take the game to Belgium."

Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne have all been left at home as the world's number one ranked nation look to give minutes to players pushing for a World Cup place. That means the likes of Arthur Thete, Charles de Ketelaere and Mitchy Batshuayi are handed rare starts. Youri Tielemans captains the side.