Republic of Ireland defeat Oman 2-0 in friendly A International at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Republic of Ireland defeated Oman 2-0 this evening in a friendly A International at Aviva Stadium, Dublin organised by Milenio Sports Management. Shay Given returned to earn his 126th cap between the posts while midfielders Darron Gibson and Robbie Brady, both back from injury, also made their first appearances under O’Neill.

Derby County central defender Richard Keogh skippered the side in winning his sixth cap. Ireland enjoyed plenty of good early possession with Wes Hoolahan having the first sight of goal with a shot that was blocked away by Abdul Salam Al Mukhaini on six minutes. Oman responded with Raed Saleh bursting forward to set up Mohammed Al Siyabi who shot not far wide of Given’s right-hand post two minutes later. Brady, with a deflected shot, and Stephen Quinn, who fired the rebound wide, had efforts at the other end before Ireland took a deserved lead on 20 minutes. David Meyler won a corner on the right which Brady whipped in to the near post for Doyle to score his 14th goal for his country with a glancing header. A counterattack saw Given worked for the first time when he got down to hold a shot from Saleh on the half hour. Ireland, though, twice came close to doubling their lead in quick succession within a minute.

First Gibson and Hoolahan combined to put Anthony Pilkington in on goal to force a corner. Another Brady delivery was then met by the head of Pearce whose effort was cleared off the line by Hassan Al Ghailani. Well on top now, the woodwork prevented Ireland getting a second goal on 36 minutes as man-of-the-match Meyler’s chip came back off the top of a post. O’Neill brought on the experience of Robbie Keane, Shane Long and Aiden McGeady just before the hour mark and the latter came very close to extending the lead seven minutes later - Mohammed Al Musalami getting back superbly to clear off the line from the Everton winger. Ireland finally sealed victory with their second goal on 82 minutes. Another Brady corner fell kindly in the area for central defender Pearce who showed good feet to shoot left-footed to the bottom corner of Ali Al Habsi’s net. McGeady came within inches of adding a third on 89 minutes, but his delightful chip clipped the crossbar.

Republic of Ireland: Given (Elliot 46); Meyler (Murphy 85), Keogh, Pearce, Ward; Pilkington (McGeady 59), Quinn, Gibson (Whelan 70), Brady; Holohan (Keane 59); Doyle (Long,59). Oman: Al Habsi; A. Mukhaini, Al Owaisi, Al Musalami; S. Al Mukhaini, Al Mohair (Al Jabri 60), Al Farsi (Al Muqbali 81), Al Ghaailani (Al Busaidi 60); Saleh (Al Mashari 87), Hardan (Al Qasmi 60), Al Siyabi (Al Hadri 76). Referee: Illias Spathos (Greece). Attendance: 14,376