Confident Irish turn on style

Scotland 0 Ireland 2

The Republic recovered the pride and drive that fuelled their brave World Cup challenge on a night when Hampden Park rocked to the compulsive beat of a compelling performance.

Brian Kerr was given the perfect start to an era that promises much after Ireland silenced the home fans in an attendance of 33,337 with two goals in a sparkling opening half. And they maintained a powerful grip on the contest to deny Scotland even one clear-cut scoring chances despite a much more energetic second half