Smallbone's man of the match performance gives Kenny options

Will Smallbone began by operating just behind Ferguson and Michael Obafemi and was involved in both goals which raced them into a 2-0 lead within 17 minutes.

HAND UP: Will Smallbone's man of the match performance against Latvia give manager Stephen Kenny options for France game. Pic: McCarthy/Sportsfile

Dropping a man-of-the-match debutant suggests riches beyond the norm but Will Smallbone has his focus trained on being a focal point against the French.

It was natural for the scrutiny to be on Evan Ferguson’s first Ireland start but the man five years his elder making his bow made an equally solid impression against the Latvians.