Kerr looks to the future

Ireland boss Brian Kerr looked to the future after his side shrugged off lingering Euro 2004 disappointment with a 3-0 friendly win over Canada.

Kerr pronounced himself satisfied with the low-key win which began with a Damien Duff wonder goal and was sealed by two second-half strikes from Robbie Keane.

As promised Kerr gave youth a chance with his attention now switched from Portugal to Frankfurt, where next month’s 2006 World Cup qualifying draw takes place.

He was rewarded by a glittering debut performance by Nottingham Forest’s Andy Reid and a fine substitute appearance by Reid’s club team-mate John Thompson.

Kerr said: “Andy Reid played very well and he showed he is a player of future potential.

“But I just want people to be realistic about any young player’s performance. Sometimes people run away with things about young players.”