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I BELIEVE

3 things we learned from Ireland's win over the USA

Brady, Christie and McGoldrick were the outstanding performers on a positive night in the Aviva Stadium.

Updated at 7.50am

1. The new boys seize their chance

FRIDAY’S DEFEAT IN Glasgow was deflating but even the most fatigued fans travelled to Lansdowne Road anxious to see what the team’s two debutants, Cyrus Christie and David McGoldrick, could offer. They didn’t waste the opportunity.

Defensively, Christie was solid and gave as good as he got against Alfredo Morales. Going forward, the Derby County man showed the pace and the footwork that caught Martin O’Neill’s eye in the first place. Seamus Coleman has the right-full position nailed down but Christie has played on the left before and this was an impressive audition.

Ipswich’s McGoldrick was asked to play the creator behind Daryl Murphy and delivered with two brilliant assists. The American defence switched off for Pilkington’s goal but McGoldrick’s pass was precisely weighted, and his backheel for Brady in the second half was a moment of inspiration.

“Two excellent debuts,” O’Neill said. “It epitomises what we’re trying to do: have a squad of decent quality and decent calibre.”

2. O’Neill shuffles to great effect

Ireland don’t play a competitive match again until Poland visit in late March and, as expected, O’Neill took the opportunity to experiment. He named a completely different starting XI and of those who featured in Scotland, only Aiden McGeady, James McClean, Jeff Hendrick and Shane Long were afforded short cameos in the second half.

It gave the usual supporting cast a chance to remind the manager of their value and they all proved that they are worthy of places in the extended squad if not in the first team.

Robbie Brady impressed in particular with two goals from left back, and while both player and manager know that the defensive aspects of his game still need work, versatility — as well as his set-piece delivery — can only work in his favour.

 3. The middle men

With James McCarthy and Glenn Whelan ruled out of the Scotland game with injury, Ireland struggled in midfield and neither Darron Gibson nor Jeff Hendrick really imposed themselves.

This evening it was the chance of David Meyler — the captain for the evening — and Stephen Quinn who found themselves up against an American midfield anchored by the experienced Kyle Beckerman.

It took them a while to settle, and they often allowed the visitors too much space in the first half, but their workrate ensured that they never going to be overrun by opponents who tired quickly.

It wasn’t a performance that will see them overthrow the established order but like so many others this evening, they did their credentials no harm.

Originally published Tuesday at 11pm.

Player ratings: How the Boys in Green fared against America

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