Debutant Blues striker David McGoldrick grabbed two assists as he helped the Republic of Ireland to a 4-1 friendly victory over the USA at the Aviva Stadium.

McGoldrick, partnered up front by his Town team-mate Daryl Murphy from the start, deftly played in Cardiff’s Anthony Pilkington in the seventh minute, then on 55 cleverly exchanged passes with Hull City's Robbie Brady, who he also put through on goal to make it 2-1.

Murphy, who was winning his 14th full cap, went close to scoring his first international goal on a couple of occasions, forcing a good save and going just wide, before the Town pair made way with 13 minutes remaining.

Manager Martin O'Neill had praise for McGoldrick's role in the first goal: “It was a great through ball by David McGoldrick and Anthony Pilkington took it really well.”

Asked whether the 26-year-old had impressed him, he added: “He did. I think he has missed all pre-season because of injury and I think sometimes in the games I’ve seen him playing for Ipswich, I might be totally wrong about this, but I think that he is getting fitter.

“Tonight I thought he was getting a little bit tired in the game, but he made a contribution, which was important.”

Brady, who also scored a freekick, had praise for McGoldrick and fellow debutant Cyrus Christie: “The two boys were excellent – I’ve been watching them all week in training and they’re top lads.”

Meanwhile, Christophe Berra was an unused sub as Scotland lost 3-1 to England in a friendly at Celtic Park.

Photo: Action Images

SamWhiteUK added 21:51 - Nov 18 Absolutely delighted for him. That'll do him the world of good. And the pair escaped unscathed, which is nice!
5

emergencylime added 21:55 - Nov 18 Injury free too! Cyrus Christie is class, but went forward so much he left Ireland a bit exposed at the back.
1

Samassi100Abou added 22:10 - Nov 18 Great for the both of them, just hope they don't have an international hangover for a massive game sat!! I wonder if Roy Keane enjoyed seeing two town players starting up top!! Maybe he was ok as they weren't wearing blue..?
3

SitfcB added 22:21 - Nov 18 Oooo big deal. Two assists. Strikers should score goals, get rid.
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saxon added 22:22 - Nov 18 Possibly helped that McGoldrick would have played with Cyrus Christie before, as they were both at Coventry at the same time.
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brockleyblueboy added 22:29 - Nov 18 Really pleased for the lads and a great reflection on Ipswich. However this has firmly put them in the shop window and added an extra couple of mill to the price tags. So important we keep hold of them and they are wearing the blue of Ipswich in the prem next year
3

ArnieM added 22:38 - Nov 18 No injuries is the best news of all. Its gonna be a bloody hard game sat at Bournemouth. COYB's
4

thebeat added 22:44 - Nov 18 How do Hanley and Martin get picked ahead of Berra. You should never refuse to play for your country but if i was Berra id tell Strachan " if you think those 2 donkeys are better options than me dont bother ringing me next match"
10

LiamCP123 added 22:50 - Nov 18 SitfcB, shut up mate if you don't have anything positive to say.
7

pegasus added 23:06 - Nov 18 Two assists? The BBC report refers to (1) McGoldrick providing 'a glorious through ball' and (2) 'McGoldrick's exquisite pass'. Roll on Saturday.
1

carsey added 23:33 - Nov 18 Agree with thebeat - how Berra didn't get selected ahead of those clowns I don't know. Still on a positive note seems all the Ipswich players will be returning home uninjured and ready to take 3 points at Bournemouth on Saturday. Should be a cracking game - "up the football league we go............"
2

bohslegend added 23:33 - Nov 18 Didzy and Murph were both excellent tonight. Didzy looked composed and confident throughout. 2 beautiful assists and the Irish TV analysts have been cooing over him post-game. Must be said Cyrus Christie had a fantastic debut too.
1

timkatieadamitfc added 00:10 - Nov 19 1st is sitfcb for real or just taking the pizz? If first option then agree with Liamcp123 and shut it. 2nd agree with thebeat.how these pair get in front of Berra is beyond me,Hanley looks like a lost puppy half the time. This will do m and m the power of good and hopefully give them a reet confidence boost for Saturday,COYB
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KingPablo added 00:41 - Nov 19 I dont think too many people got your joke sitters...
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MedwayTractor added 13:00 - Nov 19 Here's one for you fellow anoraks. Two more international appearances last night means that the total caps awarded to Town players now goes past the 700 mark. And now here's the important news! No injuries last night before the Bournemouth match.
1

Pendejo added 12:17 - Nov 20 OH David McGoldrick!
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