COTTAGE INDUSTRY; INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 1 NIGERIA 1.

Byline: PAUL O'HEHIR

WHATEVER the result, ending this game injury free was the priority with next week's massive clash in Bulgaria looming.

And that mission was accomplished in London last night as Robbie Keane's strike before the break forced a share of the spoils.

Although this game fell just a week before the all-important Sofia test, it never really felt like a true warm-up. It couldn't, not with five new caps in the starting line-up and an additional sixth when Kieren Westwood replaced Shay Given at the break.

While Trapattoni still gave run outs to many of his senior players, it was more an exercise in clearing the cobwebs and getting players off holiday mode.

Of all the debutantes on show, last night was a particularly big test for Wolves full-back Kevin Foley who stands a real chance of featuring against Bulgaria.

Trapattoni remains a fan of Paul McShane, but the Sunderland defender has been found wanting on occasion and didn't settle entirely well last night when replacing Foley after 72 minutes.

For the most part, Foley showed calmness and composure although he was partly at fault for the opening goal on the half hour. Femi Olubayo drilled a low cross from the right which Michael Enemaro - having made space - turned home. That space was gifted to him by Foley who had tracked the striker all the way but never challenged.

Nigeria were value for their lead as they played some fantastic sweeping football. Trapattoni was spot on when highlighting the speed and power with which they play.

Before the goal, Shay Given was called into action to tip Kalu Uche's audacious 50-yard free over his crossbar. It was cheeky, and typified Nigeria's swagger on the night.

But Ireland were impressive too, not least the Coventry City striker Leon Best who excelled in attack on his debut. He might not have got on the scoresheet but he deserves plaudits.

Trapattoni likes a physical presence in attack and with Kevin Doyle ruled out and Caleb Folan struggling, Best is a contender now to partner skipper Keane next Saturday.

His confidence was sky-high here and he relished every minute of this battle.

Like Folan, Best is strong and physical. But he has more gears than the Hull City striker and Nigeria's defenders were tormented by that pace last night. And but for a brave Austin Ejide save two minutes before Nigeria's goal, it would have been Ireland off to the Best possible start.

The striker went close again after the opener, this time hitting the post when Sean St Ledger headed a Liam Lawrence free into his path at the near post.

But as it was, Trapattoni's men wouldn't be left waiting too much longer for their equaliser - Keane stroking home seven minutes before the break.

It was the product of a sweeping move initiated by Damien Duff. He fed the impressive Liam Miller who in turn rolled off his marker to tee up Keith Andrews who returned the favour to Keane.

And the skipper expertly rounded Ejide to slot home from six yards. It was Keane's 39th Ireland goal before was replaced at the break by Shane Long.

And from the second he took to the pitch, the Reading striker enhanced his own claims for a starting role in Bulgaria.

Indeed, he almost put Ireland ahead seven minutes after the restart. Keeper Ejide went to clear a backpass but slipped in the process and gifted Long the ball. The lively striker lobbed from 20-yards but Ejide was frantically scrambling and stuck out a hand at the death to deflect the ball to safety.

Ireland were dominating possession at this stage, and Aiden McGeady's arrival injected some pace and purpose into the attack.

The Celtic ace is often inconsistent in the green jersey but last night he reminded fans what he's all about and with 18 minutes remaining he fired narrowly wide from distance.

On the other wing, Lawrence was mediocre at best. He admitted during the week that he doesn't have lightening pace - he wasn't lying. But his set-piece deliveries will be an asset.

The frantic pace at which the game was played predictably fizzled out with a little over 10 minutes remaining. The resulting Mexican waves were inevitable.

But on reflection it was another job well done by Trapattoni's team. No bells and whistles, but there didn't need to be. All six of the debutantes coped admirably. St Ledger was smart and efficient in defence, although Richard Dunne was immense and did most of the donkey work.

But it was Foley and Best who caught the eye and will pose one or two selection headaches for Trapattoni next week. And whatever about Best, Trap should take a chance of the Wolves fullback.

He's served his time in the shadows, and after a fine season in which he was named the club's player-ofthe-season, he deserves the chance.

REP OF IRELAND: Given (Westwood 45), Foley (McShane 72), Dunne, St Ledger, Nolan, Lawrence (Hunt 81), Miller, Andrews (Whelan 59), Duff (McGeady 45), Keane (Long 45), Best.

NIGERIA: Ejide, Olubayo, Utaka, Enemaro, Akpala (Odemwingie 61), Olofinjana, Aluko (Obinna 61), Uche, Adeleye, Sodje (N Obinna 78), Mohammed.

CAPTION(S):

LEVELLER Robbie Keane rounds the goalkeeper to equalise CONTROL Liam Miller keeps possession as the tackles fly last night CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Kevin Foley and Sone Aluko tussle for the ball at Craven Cottage last night SEAN OF DREAD Sean St Ledger attacks the ball in a solid debut for Ireland at Craven Cottage last night as defensive partner Richard Dunne looks on