International Blues

Defender Kenny Cunningham again skippered the Republic of Ireland side in their international friendly against Italy whilst striker Clinton Morrison was also named in the starting eleven for the game in Dublin.

Brian Kerr's side were 2-0 behind within half-an-hour of the game at Lansdowne Road.

Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid pulled a goal back for Ireland on 32 minutes and despite a lot of second half pressure Ireland suffered their first home defeat in 18 months.

Both Cunningham and Morrison, who had a last minute goal disallowed for handball, completed the full ninety minutes of the game with the Blues defender picking up a yellow card just before the hour mark.

Republic of Ireland 1-2 Italy

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Maik Taylor and Damien Johnson were both selected in Lawrie Sanchez's starting XI for Northern Ireland's international friendly against Malta in Valletta.

The visitors took a ninth minute lead at Ta'Qali National Stadium through Leeds United striker David Healy, Johnson the provider for that goal, but the home nation drew level on 36 minutes through Ivan Woods.

Taylor proved to be the hero for Ireland when saving an 89th minute penalty from George Mallia.

Both Taylor and Johnson completed the full ninety minutes for the Irish who had Keith Gillespie sent off in the second half by referee Mike Riley.

Malta 1-1 Northern Ireland

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