Martin O’Neill will have learned quite a bit from Ireland’s scoreless draw against England this afternoon.
With a more experimental line-up, Ireland struggled to create any clear cut chances in the opening half, Daryl Murphy coming closest with a free header but his effort blazed over the bar.
England, to their credit, also imposed their playing style on Ireland, threatening on the wings and Sterling looked dangerous for the most part.
Jeers and boos rang around the stadium for the opening 35 minutes, the supporters making their distaste about FIFA, Sepp Blatter and FAI chief executive, John Delaney, loudly known.
But it finished an uneventful first half,and the second wasn’t much different.
McGeady, Coleman and Whelan all drew praise - McGeady in particular for his ability to track back and ensure anything that went into the Irish box caused intense pressure.
A rake of changes saw Shay Given come in for Keiren Westwood, and Jon Walters replace Daryl Murphy.
Increased competition for the number one shirt within the Ireland squad saw both keepers play extremely well, Given getting down well to deny Andros Townsend in the closing 15 minutes.
Jamie Vardy picked up his first cap for England and the in-form Theo Walcott also got some game time.
The game will serve both teams well, Ireland facing a huge game against Scotland in six days time and England hoping to keep up their 100 per cent record in their European Championship qualifier group.
It’s another draw between the sides — that’s five with one abandonment in the last six — and England haven’t beaten Ireland since 1985.
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