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.