Bittersweet night for Ireland debutant Cannon

A night to forget for the team perhaps, but a memorable occasion on the western coast of Portugal for Tom Cannon who nearly claimed a goal on his international debut.

That opportunity shortly after the hour mark was a rare foray into enemy territory as the Republic of Ireland were well and truly outclassed 3-0 by their Euro 2024-bound hosts, with Ronaldo bagging a brace and his team coughing up numerous chances to add to their tally.

The English-born forward, who scored twice in 13 appearances as Leicester City secured promotion to the Premier League this season, represented the Boys in Green at Under-21 level but had previously been described as taking "time to reflect" on his international future.

Interim manager John O'Shea however kept the line of communication open with the forward, calling him into the squad last month and handing him is debut shortly after Ronaldo had put the hosts 2-0 up in the 49th minute.

"A very proud day for me and my family," he told RTÉ Sport after the game. "It’s a tough one to take, a defeat, but Portugal are a good side with top-quality players.

"They are probably one of the favourites for the Euros."

Cannon came as close as any Irish player to finding the back of the Portuguese net when a long ball lifted over the top saw him get the better of Danilo, cutting inside the defender before his sliding shot hit the side-netting.