Smiles back on Irish faces as green wave sees off Bulgaria

Ireland finished with a flourish in the Aviva last night, as a much improved second-half performance meant first international goals for the Cork duo of Alan Browne and Kevin Long, along with one on his debut for striker James Collins, delivered a 3-1 win over a Bulgarian side whose only answer on the night came from the penalty spot.

As Mick McCarthy had flagged before kick-off, Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane was deployed at left-back amid otherwise wholesale changes in personnel from the side which drew with Switzerland last Thursday.