A fraught first half comes to an end in Pristina and Republic of Ireland will be glad the game is still goalless after persistent Kosovo pressure.

They have cleared two off the line while Caoimhin Kelleher was also forced to save a header from Vedat Muriqi.

Heimir Hallgrimsson will want more from his side going the other way as apart from a golden chance for Chiedozie Ogbene, they have struggled.

Troy Parrott is left frustrated again as Finn Azaz fails to slip him through.

He also had Chiedozie Ogbene on the left in plenty of space too.

Five minutes left of the first half and Republic of Ireland will hope to get in with the score as it is after weathering a number of storms so far in Pristina.

Stephen Kelly
Former Republic of Ireland right back on RTE

There have been too many close calls. It's a very good save from Caoimhin Kelleher.

Caoimhin Kelleher has to be alert to claw Vedat Muriqi's header away from goal.

Muriqi meets Dion Gallapeni's cross with more power this time, with Kelleher coming across to tip the looping effort away.

Image source, Getty Images

Troy Parrott has been very isolated in this first half, living off scraps and struggling to assert himself against the physical Ilir Krasniqi.

He shouts out to his team mates in frustration as another pass aimed for him goes astray.

Dion Gallopeni slips in Baton Zabergja and after some silky feet, his low delivery deflects into the path of Veldin Hodza, whose low effort is blocked on the line by Dara O'Shea.

Republic of Ireland living dangerously with Kosovo pushing for the opener.

Baton Zabergja flies down the left and stands the ball up, but Liam Scales manages to head away.

Stephen Kelly
Former Republic of Ireland right back on RTE

It's unbelievable from Molumby to get back and clear it off the line. It's a wonderful clearance.

Jayson Molumby produces a huge goal line clearance for Republic of Ireland.

Jake O'Brien and James Abankwah are caught out of possession and Veldin Hodza takes advantage to steam down the left.

His cross eventually falls to Vedat Muriqi and he spins before firing towards goal.

It looked to be heading in but for Molumby, who gets back to scoop the effort off the line.

After that flurry of action the game has slowed down again.

Stephen Kelly
Former Republic of Ireland right back on RTE

We should be taking the lead there. It was a glorious chance and Ogbene will be kicking himself.

Seconds later, Republic of Ireland go close to opening the scoring.

James Abankwah has acres of space down the right and gallops into the box before pulling the ball back to Chiedozie Ogbene, who curls a first-time shot over the crossbar.

He really should have got that one on target, but much better from the visitors.

Image source, Getty Images

Stephen Kelly
Former Republic of Ireland right back on RTE

It's a great effort on goal. He just tried to side foot it into the top corner and it wasn't far away.

Edon Zhegrova curls in the resulting free-kick and again Republic of Ireland only half clear.

Kosovo recycle the ball on the right and Mergim Vojvoda plays the cross in which eventually falls for Vedat Muriqi, who side foots it on the volley just wide.

That's the closest we have come to a goal.

James Abankwah again fouls Baton Zabergja and receives a talking to from the referee.

It came after some sloppy Republic of Ireland play, they are struggling to keep possession on the bobbly pitch.

A scare for Republic of Ireland as Jake O'Brien is robbed of possession in a dangerous area beside his own box, but he manages to recover.

Edon Zhegrova takes the free-kick and finds Vedat Muriqi at the back post, but again, his tame header is an easy take for Caoimhin Kelleher.

You can't give the striker too many more of those chances though or he will take one.

Stephen Kelly
Former Republic of Ireland right back on RTE

It was a great ball in from Liam Scales. It had loads of pace and was into a dangerous area.

James Abankwah upends Baton Zabergja and concedes a free-kick.