IRELAND TOOK ON LATVIA IN A FRIENDLY on Wednesday night and it was Stephen Kenny's men that came away with a 3-2 victory.
Goals from Evan Ferguson, Callum O'Dowda, and Chiedozie Ogbene were only subplots to the story.
Ireland had several players who impressed on the night that included the likes of Stoke City's Will Smallbone, Celtic's Mikey Johnston, and O'Dowda himself.
Here are three takeaways from Ireland's win over Latvia.
Dublin , Ireland - 22 March 2023; Will Smallbone of Republic of Ireland . (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Will Smallbone was excellent and Ireland fans could get very excited
Ireland gave several debuts last night, but one who really impressed was Will Smallbone.
The Stoke City loanee was the standout player on the night and even got an assist for Callum O'Dowda's opener in the first half.
A 90% pass accuracy for 82 minutes with six big chances created highlighted the quality of the display.
Stoke coach Alex Neill said last month: "He’s 22 and this is his first year at this level. If any team had a young player coming through who started to play in his first season and produce what he is producing, I think you’d get really excited about him.
“I think he’s got a really bright future ahead of him and, well, I play him all the time. He’s got huge amounts to offer.”
Smalbone was everywhere last night and he rightfully desereved Man of the Match.
Granted it was only Latvia, but If Smallbone can replicate this on a regular basis for Ireland it would make a lot of Ireland fans and his manager Stephen Kenny very very happy for years to come.
The Evan Ferguson hype train is not slowing down and he must start against France
Much of the focus was on Evan Ferguson last night. The Brighton & Hove Albion defender did not disappoint eager fans watching in the stadium and at home.
The 18-year-old has been in fine form for his club side this season with seven goals, but many people were keen to see if he could bring something to an Irish side that has lacked cutting edge for years.
It took Ferguson 17-minutes to show what he was all about with his debut Ireland goal.
A cross from Matt Doherty found Michael Obafemi. The Burnley forward squared the ball to Ferguson to slot home from close range.
At 18 years and 154 days he became the youngest Republic of Ireland scorer since Robbie Keane in 1998 against Malta.
It wasn't just his goal, it was his linkup and off-ball movement that will have impressed his manager Kenny no end.
He got taken off in the second half with one eye on the France game. It will be a travesty if he doesn't start against Les Bleus on Monday. Let's hope he does.
The Evan Ferguson goal in better quality💚
pic.twitter.com/wEgLOPYB6u— Irish Football Blog (@BlogIrish) March 22, 2023
Mikey Johnston looks a real player
Ireland didn't just give a debut to Smallbone and Ferguson. They also gave a debut to Celtic's Mikey Johnston.
Johnstone has played for Scotland's underage teams all his life but decided to switch allegiances to Ireland more recently. It looks like Ireland have a real gem on their hands.
Coming on for Michael Obafemi in the 63rd minute, the on-loan Vitoria Guimaraes winger had an instant impact in the game.
The winger broke free down the left and fired against the foot of the post, and Ogbene pounced on the rebound to restore the lead for Ireland.
Later in the second half Johnston produced a piece of wing-play that has become alien to Ireland fans over the years.
The 23-year-old beat three defenders and nearly scored a wonder goal only for a deflection to stop it going in.
Speaking after Kenny: "He has different characteristics that will add to the squad. We mustn't expect a major impact from him in this camp but it's a good introduction for him."
Mikey Johnston could become another fan favourite and on a night that highlighted a glimpse of the future he could become the most exciting player of the lot.
