Nick Potts Nick Potts

Updated at 18.35

THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND’s World Cup qualification opener against Serbia will go ahead (kick-off 7.45pm Irish tim) after worries that heavy rainfall would force a postponement.

Ben Blake Ben Blake

There has been relentless heavy rainfall in the city throughout since early this afternoon and the poor weather is expected to continue into the evening.

A pitch inspection took place at Belgrade’s Red Star Stadium to determine whether the fixture would be fulfilled.

Ben Blake Ben Blake

Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai and his assistants walked the pitch at 6.15pm Irish time to carry out the inspection and he was satisfied that the surface is still playable.

Additional reporting by Ben Blake

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Should Coleman be captain and key questions ahead of Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifier

Letter from Belgrade: Graffiti on the walls but atmosphere may not be so hostile for Ireland