Town attacker has goal chalked off as duo earn caps in Ireland win

Ipswich Town duo Sammie Szmodics and Dara O'Shea earned international caps as the Republic of Ireland beat Finland 1-0 in Dublin.

Szmodics, making his ninth appearance for the senior team, was named in the starting lineup, playing just off Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

Szmodics thought he put his side ahead in the 23rd minute after latching onto a through ball from deep, working it around goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky before slotting into an empty net. The flag was immediately raised for offside, with the 29-year-old acknowledging that the decision - although correct - was tight.

It was Ferguson who put the Boys in Green into the lead on the stroke of half time. Quick feet Michael Johnston allowed him to tease a cross onto the head of the youngster, who jumped highest to flick it into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Finland had a chance to equalise in the 77th minute following a handball from Ferguson, but Joel Pohjanpalo was denied by Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, with Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson introducing Town defender O'Shea in place of Matt Doherty at right-back for his 31st cap.

Szmodics was then withdrawn for Tom Cannon in the 85th minute.

The win means little for the hosts due to England's 3-0 victory away in Greece. It guarantees that they'll finish third in Group 2, setting up a play-off game to avoid relegation from Nations League B, which will take place in March 2025. Ireland's next game is on Sunday (5pm), where they'll take on the Three Lions at Wembley.

Elsewhere, Ali Al-Hamadi was an unused substitute as Iraq drew 0-0 against Jordan in World Cup qualifying. The result leaves them third in Group B with eight points ahead of their trip to Iran next Tuesday.