Keogh impresses for Ireland B

Last updated : 15 November 2006 By Luke Thornhill
It was the Republic's first B international for almost eight years, and Keogh found himself amongst some big names during the goaless draw in his home city of Dublin.

Included in Ireland's line-up with Arsenal youngster Anthony Stokes, who has scored 10 goals in six games while on-loan at Falkirk.

The Scotland side included Scottish Premier League stars Stephen Pearson, Andy Webster and Kris Boyd.

"Andy Keogh worked his socks off and should have scored, but overall he had a good game," explained the Republic B coach Pat Devlin.

Keogh did well, and was involved in the Republic's first chance of the match.
 
He teamed up with Newcastle winger Alan O'Brien and Roy O'Donovan to set up Joe Gamble, with the Cork midfielder firing over.

Two of the best chances in the second-half also fell to Keogh, with a 22-yard drive smartly saved by Norwich keeper Paul Gallacher.

And 15 minutes from time Stokes found Keogh in the area, only for the young striker to scuff his shot straight at Gallacher.

"We created the better chances, with Keogh's the best of the lot, so overall I'm delighted," added Devlin.

"It wasn't a stunning game by any means, but overall it was worthwhile.

"To be fair to them, they all did well, and if it had been a competitive match then we would be saying 'well, I'm happy with that performance'.

"They had not played together before and they've not been around one another before, but they went out there and I thought they did well."

Republic of Ireland B (4-4-2): Darren Randolph; Kevin Foley, Paddy McCarthy, Alex Bruce, Lewis Emmanuel; Joe Gamble, Stephen McPhail, Darron Gibson, Alan O'Brien; Andy Keogh, Roy O'Donovan.
Subs: Darren Quigley, Joe O'Cearuill, Lee Frecklington, Darren Potter, Shane Long, Anthony Stokes, Stephen Hunt.

Scotland B (4-4-1-1): Paul Gallacher; Steven Whittaker, Andy Webster, Kirk Broadfoot, Steven Smith; Steven Naismith, Michael Stewart, Scott Brown, Chris Clark; Stephen Pearson; Kris Boyd.
Subs: Mark Brown, Gordon Greer, James McEveley, Charlie Adam, Lee Miller.
Referee: Martin Atkinson (England)