Players get their lines right as match sticks to the script

FINALLY, Brian Kerr’s Phoney War is over. Two years after first taking over as Ireland’s manager, the Dubliner can at last look forward to his first full campaign at the helm of the senior Irish side.

How much use this was as preparation for the Cyprus game next month is a moot point. It’s hard enough to find an international friendly with some vim and vigour these days. Even harder when it takes place in early August with the English and Scottish seasons barely out of their nappies.

Last night, the scriptwriters didn’t deviate from the plot. Make sure the home side doesn’t lose, throw in the odd goal chance and top it all off with at least one memorable slice of pure brilliance - courtesy here of Bulgaria’s stunning equaliser after 70 minutes from Valeri Bozhinov. In fact, the only oddity on view in Lansdowne Road last night was the repeated sight of Roy Keane giving away possession.