Young guns make bold bids for inclusion

Players' reaction: Last time these players were subjected to a post-match inquisition at Lansdowne Road - or, at the very least, had their paths obstructed by tape recorders - they were Iran-bound and nervously hoping that 2-0 would be a sufficient lead to secure their passage to the summer's kick-about in Japan and Korea.

Now? Well, for some, from here on in it's all about doing enough to convince Mick McCarthy that they should be on the passenger list when that East-bound plane leaves Dublin. For others, more sure of their place in the World Cup squad, it's about keeping things ticking over, but keeping a close eye on the case being pressed by the young pretenders.

"The young lads came in tonight and were excellent - I thought Colin Healy, in particular, did really well," said Matt Holland, who conceded he didn't alter the course of the match in his two-minute appearance. "Andy O'Brien was solid at the back, Stephen Reid in midfield, Richard Sadlier up front - they all made an impression, did well and can be pleased with their night's work.

"Like Mick said, playing regular first team football will do Colin a power of good, it will be so beneficial to him and with Lee Carsley leaving Coventry he should get plenty of football there. Stephen Reid did ever so well too; he's a hell of a strike on him, which he proved with that goal, and he's not afraid to get stuck in. He's quite happy to run with the ball, run at people, he's direct, strong, yeah, he's a good player."

"Pleased with the win, pleased to get a start as well," said Damien Duff.

Your partnership with Robbie Keane? "It's going well. I've known Robbie for a good few years now and we've played together at underage level so I understand how he plays and I thought we linked up well tonight." What did you think of the young fellas? "They did really well, Colin Healy got man of the match and thoroughly deserved it, he had a great half. Delighted for the new fellas, they did great," added Duff.

Healy couldn't complain. The Cork youngster came over from Coventry not even sure if he would get a match here but then ended up man of the match. "Well of course I'm delighted with the performance," he said. "It was a good game for us, winning by two goals." Hard to believe though that he settled so quickly, looked the part right from the start: "Well I was confident alright, and especially being out there with Roy Keane because he really helped me a lot throughout the game. Of course I was nervous before the start but once I got out there I really enjoyed it."

Jason McAteer - who also had a new experience by coming on and then coming off again - seemed impressed too and the performances of the youngsters: "Yeah, I mean it was a great chance for Mick to see what's going on and who might be coming through.

"I'm sure he's got a good idea about what he wants to do, and has decided maybe three quarters of his squad, but you know there are still some places up for grabs. And a lot of them have come in tonight and done well.

"Healy definitely did well and he's set his stall out now, and there weren't the best conditions out there either. The pitch has seen better days, and the rugby lads did a good job on it.

"Stephen Reid did well also and got himself a great goal, and Andy O'Brien did a good job in there too. We do have plenty of centre halves and that may be a difficult place to get into the team. But there are definitely players there that Mick will be thinking about again tonight."

And what about his own performance: "Well I have been carrying a slight knock on my knee all week, which I picked up in training. But I was just anxious to get out there. Mick asked me if I was feeling it and decided to give (Niall) Quinn a minute."

Clinton Morrison was also glad to get his run: "Well it was definitely nice to get a run in. I'm a bit disappointed about not putting that chance I got into the net.

"Generally though we are happy with the performance. I think we were a little better in the first half and played some great football. But Mick did make a lot of changes and that was always going to disrupt the team. We still managed to get the win and everyone is pleased about that.

" I mean Mick was telling us after that to just enjoy it and play like they have been playing. But of course it's always a big difference when you're playing for Division One and you come for an international. I think I am adapting quite well and hopefully I can keep going the way I'm going."

Players' reaction

Mary Hannigan and Ian O'Riordan