Mikey Johnston made his senior debut for Ireland as he described his first outing as 'what a night'.
The Celtic attacker - currently plying his trade in Portugal on a season-long loan - changed his allegiance to Stephen Kenny's side and was handed his first call-up for the clash with Latvia at the Aviva Stadium. The home side raced into a two goal lead thanks to strikes from Callum O'Dowda and Evan Ferguson in the opening 20 minutes before the visitors struck back twice to level up the scoring.
Johnston was then introduced in the 64th minute and he showed his attacking intent from the off by driving at the defence before firing a shot that cannoned off the post after just 45 seconds. It dropped nicely in the box for Chiedozie Ogbene to slot home to put Ireland back in front. It proved to be the winning moment as the home side ran out 3-2 winners in a five-goal thriller under the lights.
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Taking to social media, the Hoops star wrote: What a night. So proud to have made my @irelandfootball debut with a win."
Next up is the small task of beaten World Cup finalists France with Kylian Mbappe and Co travelling to Dublin on Monday for the opening Euro 2024 qualifier.
The Irish are big underdogs to reach the finals from their section with the Netherlands, Greece and minnows Gibraltar to come in Group B.
Speaking earlier this month at Johnston's decision to play for Ireland, boss Kenny told the FAI website: "Mikey is an exciting player, a great individual talent and we're delighted to see him declare for the Republic of Ireland.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him play at the Aviva Stadium, dribbling in the way that he can and we look forward to helping him fulfil his potential in an Ireland shirt."
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