Shay Given was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland beat Australia 2-1 in Dublin but Andy O’Brien did come on as a substitute, replacing Gary Breen of our Nationwide neighbours at half-time. Mark Viduka gave the Aussies the lead just after the break, but late goals from John O’Shea and Clinton Morrison gave the Irish victory.
Jermaine Jenas played the full 90 minutes as England Under-21s lost 3-0 to Croatia at Upton Park, while Darren Ambrose was an unused substitute. Meanwhile Arsenal’s Jermaine Pennant got into the right frame of mind for his loan move to Leeds United by receiving a red card for punching an opponent.
Gary Caldwell, currently on loan at Derby County, played the full 90 minutes as Scotland Under-21s lost 3-1 in Norway, despite Simon Lynch giving them a half-time lead.
Alan O’Brien played the first half for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s as they beat Norway 2-0 on Monday, but Stephen Brennan didn’t feature for the Under-21s side that won 5-1 in Poland.