Keane finds touch as Reid impresses

Republic of Ireland 3 Canada

Robbie Keane struck twice as the Republic of Ireland enjoyed a relatively easy win in their friendly against Canada here last night.

The Ireland manager, Brian Kerr, was relying on a new blend of experience and youth and his charges started aggressively searching out an early goal. Graham Kavanagh, playing his first international since May 1999, hobbled off following a challenge by Marc Bircham but the prospects were brighter for Andy Reid who dazzled on his full senior debut.

Damien Duff broke the stalemate in the 19th minute, bursting down the left and turning three defenders inside-out before sliding the ball under Lars Hirschfeld. Midway through the second half Keane was on hand to guide a cross from Reid over the line and then snuffled any Canadian resistance with his second, six minutes from time.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Given (Colgan, 82); Carr (Harte, h-t), O'Shea (Kilbane, 74), Dunne, Cunningham, S Reid (Delap, 61), Kavanagh (Holland, 11), Duff (Murphy, 88), A Reid (McPhail, 73), Keane, Doherty (Morrison, h-t).

CANADA: Hirschfeld; Bent, Hastings (Fenwick, 87), Bircham (Nash, 79), De Vos (Rogers, 82), McKenna, Stalteri, Imhof, Radzinski, Peschisolido (Bernier, 74), Jazic. Substitutes not used: Dasovic, Stamatopoulos.

Referee: M Whitby (Wales)