Martin O'Neill has taken his bow on the international stage and been able to return home with his head held high. Having been appointed as the Republic of Ireland manager earlier this month, a win against Latvia was last night followed by an encouraging goalless draw in Poland.
O'Neill had elected to field a much-changed side but will hope that the gutsy performance of his team will prove to be a common trait. Stephen Kelly, the Ireland defender, came closest to winning the match when he directed a header at goal during the first half, while, the hosts later tried to respond through substitute Lukasz Teodorczyk, who blasted over.
Ireland survived, then, and the enthusiasm generated by O'Neill's arrival continues. Robert Lewandowski was kept quiet, while Aiden McGeady proved more of a nuisance. There were also flashes of menace from Anthony Stokes, the Celtic striker seeking to revive his international ambitions.
Neither would score - McGeady did have one effort blocked early on - but Kelly's header past a post after 21 minutes remained their best effort.
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