Stephen Ward and Simon Cox both marked their full Rep of Ireland debuts with goals in the 5-0 rout of N.Ireland.
Ward and Cox both score as Northern Ireland are demolished in Dublin
Stephen Ward and Simon Cox both marked their full Republic of Ireland debuts with goals in the 5-0 rout of neighbours Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup.
Captain Robbie Keane was also on target, scoring twice, once from the penalty spot, as Giovanni Trapattoni's side cruised to victory in front of just 12,083 spectators at the Aviva Stadium.
The Republic were helped on the night by a Craig Cathcart own goal, while Northern Ireland's miserable evening included a red card for Adam Thompson, who fouled Keane when giving away the penalty.
Trapattoni will now prepare for a potential tournament decider against Scotland on Sunday, while Nigel Worthington's inexperienced Northern Ireland, who face Wales on Friday, are left to reflect.
It proved to be a disappointing night overall for Northern Ireland, who were cheered on by a sparse band of supporters after fans staged a boycott in protest at travelling restrictions placed upon them.
Ward was not in the team that manager Trapattoni named to the media on Monday, meaning he was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI.
As Ward and Cox both made their maiden bows for the Republic, teenager Josh Carson was handed his first cap for Northern Ireland and Gareth McAuley was named as captain.
Flash
The visitors had the first real chance on goal, but Jonny Gorman was well off-target with a shot that he sliced past the post.
At the other end, Seamus Coleman's cross picked out Paul McShane in front of goal, but he sent his header flashing past the upright.
The Republic were threatening again when Keith Treacy unleashed an effort from distance, but the shot lacked power and it was comfortably smothered by Alan Blayney.
The hosts continued to press and were only denied the opener by the woodwork when Cox cut the ball back for Keith Andrews and his swerving effort smacked off the post.
The home side's hard work paid off when they took the lead with 24 minutes gone.
Treacy played a one-two with Cox from a short corner before whipping into the goal-mouth. Goalkeeper Blayney threw himself at the ball, but spilled in front of Ward who rifled home the opener from close range.
The Republic doubled their lead after 37 minutes when Keane pounced on a dreadful pass-back by Lee Hodson before lofting over the goalkeeper and seeing the shot nestle in the bottom corner.
Misery
There was further misery for Northern Ireland when Coleman's ball across the face of goal was forced into the back of his own net by Cathcart a minute before the interval.
The Republic were always favourites to come out on top and added to their tally nine minutes after the restart.
Thompson was deemed to have fouled Keane in the box and was given a straight red card by Scottish referee Craig Thomson, before the Tottenham striker dusted himself off and slotted low past Blayney from the penalty spot.
Keane could have claimed a hat-trick with a ferocious volley, but, this time, the goalkeeper was up to the task and produced a decent save. Keane was then replaced by Andy Keogh to applause from the crowd.
A commotion then followed in the section housing the Northern Ireland fans, however, order was quickly restored by the stewards.
It had been an uneventful night for Shay Given in the Republic goal and he was replaced by David Forde for the final 20 minutes.
But Blayney was left picking the ball out of the back of the net again when Cox raced into the box and sent an angled drive past the goalkeeper to complete the rout, before Stephen Hunt's free-kick crashed off the post late on.
The victory put the Republic at the top of the Nations Cup table ahead of Scotland's game against Wales.
