Jamaica 0 Rep of Ireland 1

Coventry midfielder Graham Barrett netted a first-half winner for the Republic of Ireland in tonight’s Unity Cup match against Jamaica to boost his hopes of claiming a place in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers later this year.

In his first start for the senior team, Barrett drilled the ball home from the edge of the box on 26 minutes at The Valley, making the most of the opportunity handed to him, as well as other fringe players, by boss Brian Kerr.

Gillingham striker Marlon King had the best chance of the first half for the Reggae Boyz, but his snap shot was too central to cause Paddy Kenny much concern, while the second 45 minutes failed to inspire.