Republic of Ireland 1-1 New Zealand: Irish held in friendly as James McClean retires

The Republic of Ireland failed to end a disappointing year on a high note as they were held to a draw by New Zealand on a night when James McClean called time on his international career.

But New Zealand hit back through Matthew Garbett just before the hour mark.

McClean then bid farewell to the Irish fans in what could also prove to be Stephen Kenny’s final game in charge of the team.

Kenny’s contract is up and the Dubliner’s fate is expected to be decided at next week’s Football Association of Ireland board meeting.

If this ends up being Kenny’s farewell, he will have to reflect on another frustrating night as his team were unable to finish 2023 with a morale-boosting victory, after failing to qualify for the European Football Championship. next summer.

McClean says goodbye

With speculation over Kenny’s future continuing into next week, McClean was able to bid farewell to Irish fans as he put the finishing touches to an 11-year international career that included 103 caps and appearances at Euro 2012 and 2016.

McClean, not named captain until Shane Duffy in his last match, was joined on the pitch before kick-off by three of his four children as fans showed their appreciation for the Wrexham player.

Starting at left back, the 34-year-old was involved as the Republic dominated possession, although he was denied a parting goal when Michael Boxall rushed to block his shot on goal in the ninth minute.

McClean’s evening – and Republic’s career – ended in touching fashion in the 66th minute when he was applauded off the field by his teammates and the Irish fans to be replaced by Ryan Manning, the former winger of Wigan having also received a guard of honor before. departure into the tunnel after the match.

Boos after another frustrating night

With Mikey Johnston providing a lively outlet, much of the Republic’s play took place down the left and Matt Doherty should have opened the scoring from close range after being found by Jason Knight.

The home side’s early superiority produced the first goal just before the half-hour mark, when Mark Sykes – making his first international start – dispossessed Nando Pijnaker, allowing Idah to go through and finish calmly.

With the Republic in the lead for much of the first half, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action when his flying save kept out Sarpreet Singh’s curling effort from range.

The Republic pressed for a second early in the second half, with Jayson Molumby shooting just wide from outside the box before Duffy headed a McClean corner straight at New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

However, New Zealand became increasingly dangerous in the second half and found the equalizer when Garbett curled a superb low effort past Republic replacement goalkeeper Mark Travers after Duffy’s challenge on Chris Wood.

New Zealand also had a goal disallowed for offside, and although McClean was treated to an emotional farewell, the home side failed to find a late winner as Kenny’s side finished the year with three victories – including two against Gibraltar – in 10 matches.

The visitors missed a chance to grab a last-gasp victory when substitute Tyler Bindon headed home.

At full time, sections of the 26,517 spectators were booed as Kenny applauded the Irish fans for what many expected to be the final time.