Mick McCarthy tasted victory for the first time in eight games since taking over from Jack Charlton as Republic of Ireland team manager as his young side overwhelmed Bolivia 3-0 in New Jersey last night. The Irish hero was the 20-year-old Norwich striker Keith O'Neill, who scored two goals in the US Cup tie played at the Giants Stadium. The 18-year-old Leeds defender Ian Harte headed home the third just before the interval following a first-half of complete Irish domination. The Bolivians played some neat one-touch football but never really penetrated a solid Irish defence. The young Blackburn goalkeeper Shay Given produced another outstanding performance for the Irish, but the greatest cheer of the night was for the introduction of the veteran Celtic keeper Packie Bonner in the 86th minute to win his 80th international cap.
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