Ireland's experimental line-up emerged victorious in a friendly match with Bulgaria that sprung into life late in Dublin tonight.
Alan Browne opened the scoring after 57 minutes with a tap-in after Ronan Curtis' shot was saved, but a Cyrus Christie mistake let in Bulgaria who eventually earned and converted a penalty through Ivelin Popov 11 minutes later.
However, Jack Byrne's corner was then headed in by Kevin Long after 83 minutes to give the hosts another lead.
And that wasn't all for Shamrock Rovers star Byrne, who played a key part in the third goal just minutes later when he played the ball out to Enda Stevens who set up James Collins for a debut goal.
Here are five things we learned tonight at the Aviva Stadium:
1. John Egan could slot into the defence in bigger games
Richard Keogh and Shane Duffy seem to have the two centre-back positions on lock when it comes to the competitive games, but John Egan who captained the side tonight, could certainly take Keogh's place.
The Sheffield United defender is playing frequently in the Premier League, and there was nothing he could do about the penalty he conceded after Cyrus Christie's mistake.
2. Ronan Curtis offers something different
The Portsmouth winger may not have set the Aviva Stadium alight, but fans who have been left wanting since Wes Hoolahan hung up his boots may have had their calls answered in Curtis.
The former Derry City man was always looking to make things happen in the final third, and it was his initial effort that led to Alan Browne's tap in that opened the scoring.
3. The Conor Hourihane experiment didn't work
Don't get us wrong, Aston Villa man Hourihane was fine in his role at left back tonight.
However, Enda Stevens and Matt Doherty needn't worry too much about losing their spots.
4. There is space for Troy Parrott in this squad
Tottenham wonderkid Troy Parrott made a huge impression with two goals in the Ireland Under-21s' comeback win over in Sweden earlier in the evening.
The youngster is only 17 so there's no need to rush him, but Scott Hogan and Alan Judge didn't make much of a statement of intent to Mick McCarthy, and there is definitely a spot for Parrott once he's deemed ready.
5. A stellar League of Ireland debut
It may have been a forgettable game for the neutral, but for Shamrock Rovers' star midfielder Jack Byrne it was a night to remember as he finally made his senior Ireland debut.
Mick McCarthy has been quite open to calling up domestic players, as was his predecessor Martin O'Neill, and Byrne didn't disappoint when he came on, swinging in the corner that saw Kevin Long head in the winning goal.
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