Mikey Johnston changed Ireland's fortunes as Stephen Kenny’s side beat Gibraltar 3-0 in tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.
Stalemate at the break as a nervous-looking Ireland failed to make the breakthrough against the group’s lowest ranked side, however, the introduction of the Celtic winger had an immediate effect as he opened the scoreing in the 53rd minute.
Teenage prospect Evan Ferguson then added another six minutes later, before Adam Idah added another in stoppage time, as the Boys in Green finally got their campaign up and running at the third time of asking.
An occasion to remember for Derry native James McClean; captain for the night, the veteran wide-man was presented with his 100th cap by President Michael D Higgins ahead of the game.
And it looked like Kenny's men were ready to banish their blues immediately as it took just 26 seconds to get the first shot on goal, as Jason Knight got down the right, cut it back perfectly for Jamie McGrath, and while the powerful, controlled shot hit the target, Dayle Coleing was right behind it.
But then, little else from the opening 10 minutes as despite the dominance of possession, Ireland were unable to work the ball into goalscoring opportunities, instead relying on hopeful but ultimately futile deliveries into the box.
James McClean’s 16th-minute corner was asking to be finished as it curled inviting into the six-yard box from the right flank, yet Nathan Collins was unable to make contact, perhaps caught unawares with the ball evading everyone before it reached the back post.
A Dara O’Shea snap-shot followed a minute later, but again it was meat and drink for stopper Coleing.
In the 18th minute, Gavin Bazunu had to be alert to gather as the visitors made their
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