Byrne earns Ireland draw

B International: Scotland 1, Republic of Ireland 1The Republic of Ireland earned a deserved share of the spoils against Scotland in last night's B international at Airdries's Excelsior Park.

With Wes Hoolahan dominating the midfield play, and Graham Gartland outstanding alongside Alex Bruce, Ireland came into their own in the second half. And they were desperately unlucky not to grab the lead on 51 minutes when a free by Jim Goodwin allowed Richie Byrne to get in a header which wasblocked by Graeme Smith. From the rebound, O'Donovan's effort was deflected for a corner.

There was an inevitability about the Irish goal on 66 minutes. Mark Yeates struck a great shot from 20 yards which rebounded off the crossbar, but ex-Shamrock Rovers man Byrne fired home the rebound from 12 yards.

Late on, substitute Yeates tormented the Scots defence and was unfortunate not to win a penalty when taken down by Christophe Berra.

Against the run of play, Scotland equalised after 83 minutes. After Chris Armstrong's cross, a header by Steven Howard beat substitute goalkeeper Dan Connor and the ball rebounded off the upright and into the net.

Ireland survived late Scottish pressure, even though Goodwin was shown a red card in the 89th minute.

SCOTLAND B:Smith; McNaughton, Dods (Collins 45), Berra, Armstrong; Whittaker (McCormack 69), Stewart (Broadfoot 72), Thompson (Adam 45), Wallace; Iwelumo (Fletcher 60), Howard.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND B:Doyle (Connor 82); Goodwin, Bruce, Gartland (Bennett 80), Dillon; Walters (Bell 63), Whelan (Byrne 30), Doyle, Hoolahan; Hunt (Yeates 53), O'Donovan (Ward 53).

Referee:Joseph Attard (Malta).