Ireland drew the match, played at Croke Park in Dublin, 1-1 with the former Iron striker Andy Keogh scoring in second-half stoppage time.
"In the second half, I think we lost a little bit of concentration to concede the goal. We didn't deserve to lose the game. It was a beautiful and good reaction by our team," said the Republic coach Giovanni Trapattoni.
"I think that our team looked in order. It was important to have the mentality we showed and I hope and dream we can go far with that mentality."