Reaction: Not surprisingly all the talk centred around the return of Roy Keane last night. Their were other notable performances from Clinton Morrison, Andy Reid and man-of-the-match Liam Miller, but one name was destined to steal the headlines.

"Roy is a class act. What can you say about Roy?" mused Morrison.

"It was a joy to be on the same pitch as him.

"He was also great for the younger players like myself; he was talking to me throughout the game and telling me what I should be doing."

The future looks bright with Reid and Miller slotting in comfortably alongside the returning general in midfield.

"It was another great result, everyone is delighted. I thought everyone played well," said Reid. "It's always better to play with quality players and I think he is the best. I think he showed that tonight; I don't think he gave the ball away once. It is a pleasure to play with him."

Miller, too, will have to get used to slotting in alongside him when the new season starts at Manchester United next season. It was an occasion he savoured.

"Playing alongside that calibre of player, you are going to enjoy it. I definitely think he does add something to the team."

The older, wiser head of Shay Given was also quizzed on the return but he has seen all this before and was more interested in focusing on the positive result.

"It went okay. I don't think it had an impact. We're all here just to play for Ireland. Maybe with the numbers or the atmosphere, but I think it went well.

"It was probably the best crowd for a friendly all over Europe tonight, I would think.

"There was a lot of hype around it but it's over and done with now. We've got to get on with it; it's water under the bridge now. Roy done well tonight. I don't think I had to make a save tonight and that's credit to the team."