Republic of Ireland were appalling against Albania in Tirana but managed a 0-0 draw thanks to a string of saves from Shay, but Andy O’Brien again remained on the bench despite the presence of Gary Breen and Kenny Cunningham in Brian Kerr’s team.
At Sunderland Jonathan Woodgate was an unused substitute and Kieron Dyer arrived from the bench after 89 minutes as England shocked everyone with a fine performance to beat Turkey 2-0.
Dyer was though instrumental in the second goal, winning a very dubious penalty which was converted by David Beckham.
In Belfast Aaron Hughes was on the Northern Ireland side that conceded two goals and had two men dismissed against Greece, with Nikos Dabizas claiming full bragging rights by completing 90 minutes for the visitors.