Alex Bruce and Jon Walters won Republic of Ireland B caps as their side drew 1-1 with Scotland at Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium.

For Walters it was his first involvement with Ireland since winning a single U21 cap four years ago, while Bruce was making his second B appearance, in addition to a single senior appearance and U21 caps.

Both defences dominated the first half in particular with chances a rarity. Bruce, captaining the Irish side, was probably the man of the match, preventing former Colchester striker Chris Iwelumo from making any serious headway in and around the Ireland penalty area.

Walters started the game on the right of midfield before being switch to a central striking role after the break. Last week's hat-trick hero failed to test the Scottish keeper but might have been awarded a penalty when he took the ball into the area and was felled, although the referee probably considered he had already lost possession.

The former Chester man was replaced just after the hour mark with Ireland going ahead soon after through Aberdeen's Richie Byrne. Ireland were reduced to 10 men when Scunthorpe's Jim Goodwin received his second yellow card and Scotland equalised with eight minutes remaining via Derby striker Steven Howard.

Meanwhile, Shane Supple was an unused substitute as the Irish U21s beat Bulgaria 1-0 in a European Championship qualifier in Athlone.

Thanks to Supporters Trust chairman Carl Day for the report.

Photo: Action Images

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