Martin O'Neill lauds "brilliant" Cyrus Christie

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has paid tribute to Cyrus Christie for his "brilliant debut" in last night's 4-1 win over USA.

The Derby County right-back marked his first appearance for the Irish in winning fashion as O'Neill's side brought the curtain down on their 2014 with an emphatic victory in Dublin.

"I thought Cyrus Christie was excellent," O'Neill told reporters. "He's a lot to live up to in that position with Seamus Coleman [normally there]. He had a brilliant debut, really brilliant.

"I've seen a lot of him in recent months and I knew he would do well.

"He made a couple of early mistakes but he got over them but I thought he was outstanding, particularly in the second half."

Mix Diskerud had cancelled out Anthony Pilkington's opener as both sides went into the break level at the Aviva Stadium.

David McGoldrick - another debutant - then set up Robbie Brady for his first of two goals on the night, while James McLean was also on the scoresheet.