Two goals from Graham Barrett and a late one from Jim Goodwin gave the Irish under-21s their best win under Don Givens in Tallinn yesterday with strong performances from the likes of Clinton Morrison, Stephen Reid and Thomas Butler all contributing to a very comfortable win.
The ease with which Reid and Butler controlled the flanks held the key to Ireland's win and the latter was involved in all three headed-goals, providing a cross, free and corner for the respective finishes.
While Morrison looked lively throughout he, more than most, probably suffered from the dreadful condition of the playing surface which Givens admitted afterwards might be a problem for the senior team this evening.
Despite that, the Crystal Palace striker went close to getting the scoresheet on a couple of different occasions with his best chance coming just before the break when Reid and Butler linked up brilliantly before the new recruit drove against the post.
By then, however, the Irish were already in front courtesy of a seventh minute far-post header from Barrett after Butler had capitalised on an error by Estonian left back, Dimitri Kodarev.
Colin Healy might have doubled the lead at the same point in the second, but Barrett, who hadn't scored in his first nine internationals at this level, managed the trick just short of the hour when he got in front of his marker at the near post to guide the ball home.
Goodwin became the third new cap of the afternoon when he replaced Jason Gavin eight minutes from time and the Celtic defender marked the occasion with the game's third goal a minute from time.
"I'm really delighted with all of them," remarked Givens afterwards, adding that, "I can't speak highly enough of the effort they all put in out there today. It's good for us to get the win and it's great to see some of the young players who have come in doing so well in the side."
ESTONIA: Kiseljov; Koparev, Rahn, Vink, Palatu; Voskoboinikov, Anniste, Kosemets, Arst, Saharov; Ahjupera. Subs: Kirilov for Anniste (65 mins), Neemelo for Ahljupera (73), Kahr for Koparev (81).
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Murphy (Tranmere Rovers); Gavin (Middlesbrough), O'Shea (Manchester United), Delaney (Leicester City), Foy (Nottingham Forest); Butler (Sunderland), Healy (Celtic), Byrne (West Ham), Reid (Millwall); Barrett (Arsenal), Morrison (Crystal Palace). Subs: Goodwin (Celtic) for Gavin (82 mins).
Referee: G Orlic (Moldova)
