The Boys in Green eased the pressure on Stephen Kenny with a 3-0 win over Gibraltar.
Ireland picked up their first points of their Euro 2024 qualification campaign this evening with a comfortable 3-0 win over Gibraltar.
Vitória de Guimarães winger Mikey Johnston came off the bench at halftime to spark life into Ireland, scoring the opening goal just minutes later, before Evan Ferguson doubled the Irish lead. Adam Idah then added the third from close range in stoppage time.
The result rekindles some hope that Stephen Kenny’s side can make a run for third place in the group, which would secure a play-off spot.
Mikey Johnston celebrates scoring his first international goal. (Credit: Sportsfile)And for the under-fire Irish manager, picking up his first win since March may help to temporarily quell the calls for managerial change.
Ahead of tonight’s game, Kenny made five changes from the dire defeat at the hands of Greece on Friday evening.
Dara O’Shea made his long-awaited return from injury to replace Darragh Lenihan, whilst both full backs from Greece in Matt Doherty and Callum O’Dowda were swapped out for Jason Knight and James McClean.
Jamie McGrath came in to midfield for Jayson Molumby, with Micheal Obafemi replacing Adam Idah up top.
Here’s how the Boys in Green faired:
James McClean was honoured before the match as he led the Boys in Green out on his 100th cap. (Credit: Sportsfile)Player Ratings:
Gavin Bazunu – 6
Dara O’Shea – 6
John Egan – 6
Nathan Collins – 5
Jason Knight – 7
James McClean – 7
Josh Cullen – 6
Jamie McGrath – 7
Will Smallbone – 6
Michael Obafemi- 5
Evan Ferguson – 7
Substitutes:
Mikey Johnston – 8
Troy Parrott – 6
Alan Browne – 5
Jeff Hendrick – 5
Adam Idah – 6
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