The republic of Ireland’s main opponents in World Cup qualification group C both won last night.
Austria lost 2-1 at home to Germany while Sweden beat Kazakhstan 2-0.
Giovanni Trapatonni’s fringe players impressed in their 4-1 win over Oman at Craven Cottage.
Long, Brady, Doyle and Pearce with the goals for Ireland.
Former Ireland striker and Sunday Independent football writer Richard Sadlier says it was a positive display.
Northern Ireland suffered a humiliating 1-all draw with Luxembourg at Windsor Park in their group F qualifier, Dean Sheils gave them the lead in the first half but a late deflected shot gave the visitors a draw.
In Group H England needed a late penalty from Frank Lampard to secure a 1-all draw with Ukraine at Wembley, in group A Scotland drew 1-all with Macedonia at Hampden Park while Wales lost 6-1 away to Serbia.