Republic of Ireland enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 victory over Georgia in this evening's international friendly.

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Ireland took the game to Georgia from kickoff and came close to scoring on 11 minutes when James McClean's cross almost found Shane Long in the area, but the defence cleared just in time.

The home side had another big chance through Long on 14 minutes, but the goalkeeper did well to close down the chance.

Georgia's goalkeeper Giorgi Loria was then shown a red card on 19 minutes for bringing down Long, who was in on goal after a short back pass.

McClean's resulting free kick could have opened the scoring had it not been for a fine save from the substitute goalkeeper.

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Giovanni Trapattoni's side continued to press Georgia and finally made it 1-0 after 42 minutes when Richard Keogh headed home a McClean cross.

Robbie Keane came on a half time to equal Shay Given's record of 125 caps.

Simon Cox made it 2-0 on 48 minutes with a simple finish at the back post from another good McClean cross.

Great work from Keane allowed Long to find space in on goal, but the striker couldn't find the finish to make it 3-0.

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However, it was not much long before the former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur man found the net, slotting home from close range in the 77th minute.

Keane doubled his tally for the evening by notching Ireland's fourth goal with two minutes left to play, taking his recent record against Georgia to five goals in four matches.