Georgia 1-2 Republic of Ireland

Aiden McGeady scored twice in Republic of Ireland's dramatic win in Georgia

• Martin O'Neill's first competitive game in charge

• McGeady scores twice in his 70th international appearance

• Okriashvili's goal had cancelled out McGeady's opener

A superb late winner from Aiden McGeady gave the Republic of Ireland a 2-1 win over Georgia in their opening European Championship qualifier in Tbilisi.

The Everton winger put the Irish ahead with a composed finish before Georgia equalised when Tornike Okriashvili's dipping shot flew into the top corner.

McGeady went close three times in the second half before he completed his double in the last minute.

A bending strike from 18 yards sneaked in to secure a last-gasp victory.

The Dinamo Arena encounter burst into life after an opening 20 minutes devoid of ideas and goalmouth action.

Marc Wilson's mistake let in Nikoloz Gelashvili and his fierce strike was tipped behind by David Forde, who started ahead of veteran keeper Shay Given.

Saba Kvirkvelia headed across goal from the resulting corner with Murtaz Daushvili failing to get a touch at the back-post.

The Republic made the breakthrough seconds later with Jon Walters flicking on and James McCarthy slipped in McGeady, who supplied a cool finish into the bottom corner.

Georgia were happy to sit deep and hit on the counter but the 23rd-minute opener sparked a more attacking approach.

The equaliser came on 38 minutes with Okriashvili twisting and turning before his dipping 20-yard strike hit the top corner as Forde stood motionless.

Georgia pressed after the break but they failed to trouble Forde and the Republic began to pose a threat at the other end.

McGeady was Ireland's dangerman and the Everton winger fired his 25-yard free-kick just wide after 57 minutes.

Republic skipper Robbie Keane wasted a good opportunity two minutes later by slicing wide at the back post from a lofted Walters cross.

McGeady saw a shot safely gathered by substitute keeper Roin Kvaskhvadze before he blasted over from 20 yards.

The Irish were struggling to create clear openings and a well organised but limited Georgia team were on course for a draw until McGeady struck in the final minute.

Instant control and a drag-back to create space was followed by a curling shot beyond the outstretched Kvaskhvadze and into the Georgia net.

Goalscorer Aiden McGeady scored on his 70th appearance for the Republic of Ireland

His two strikes took him onto five goals for his country

It was the Republic of Ireland's first competitive game under manager Martin O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane (pictured)