8. Shay Given (1996)
The result may not have been a positive one, but the 2-0 loss against Russia, which took place on 27 March 1996, was notable for a number of reasons. It was Mick McCarthy’s first match as manager, Roy Keane was handed the Ireland captaincy and proceeded to get himself sent off, and a 19-year-old Shay Given made his debut. Despite the concession of two goals, Given produced an excellent performance, with most in attendance correctly suspecting they were watching a star in the making.
7. Andy Reid (2003)
It may have been overshadowed somewhat by an exceptional Damien Duff goal, but Andy Reid’s debut was still highly accomplished, as he immediately demonstrated his customary long-range passing ability and confidence on the ball, with Ireland easily overcoming Canada 3-0 partially thanks to his intelligent play.
6. David McGoldrick (2014)
McGoldrick had a more or less perfect debut last night, producing two assists and generally looking at home in international football. Whether he can fulfill this promising start remains to be seen, however he must surely now be regarded as a serious option in future games, particularly given his contrasting qualities to many of the other more robust Irish strikers, such as Shane Long and Jon Walters.
5. Gary Kelly (1994)
Kelly, along with Jason McAteer, made his debut in the 0-0 pre-94 World Cup friendly draw at home to Russia. Onlookers at the time were suitably impressed, with The Irish Times journalist Gerry Thornley comparing his debut to Liam Brady’s, and the player going on to represent Ireland at both the 94 and 02 World Cups.
4. Frank Stapleton (1976)
There were greater times ahead for Stapleton, who would go on to become Ireland’s then-record scorer, but at 20, he showed a sign of things to come, scoring a header from a free-kick by player-manager Johnny Giles just three minutes after his first start.
3. David O’Leary (1976)
Not many people are good enough to represent Ireland against England at Wembley just after their 18th birthday, but O’Leary did just that.
The then-Arsenal player delivered an assured display amid a 1-1 friendly draw, and O’Leary later recalled the impression he made on the then-England boss Don Revie after the game: “God bless him, Don said he thought I would be in the game for a long time.”
2. Johnny Giles (1959)
Another prodigy, Giles made his debut as a teenager in a friendly against Sweden.
The Irish side went 2-0 down in the Dalymount Park clash, before Giles scored the first goal and inspired a 3-2 victory, setting the tone for a glittering career at international level in the process.
1. Liam Brady (1974)
An 18-year-old Liam Brady made his debut in midfield alongside John Giles in the Euro 76 qualifier against the Soviet Union.
The youngster proceeded to give a masterful performance, with a Don Givens hat-trick securing an impressive 3-0 win for Ireland.
Who would you have included? Let us know in the comments section below.
