That is all from us this evening as the Republic of Ireland got 2023 off to a good start with a narrow victory over Latvia.

It wasn't the prettiest victory, but Stephen Kenny will have plenty of positives to take from the performance as well as a few selection headaches ahead of the opening Euro 2024 qualifier against France.

You can read more about tonight's action here, external but for now it's goodnight from us, see you for the big one on Monday!

Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone, speaking to RTE: It was a great day and to get the win makes it an even better debut, I have always dreamed of this.

I thought the first 20 minutes we came out with confidence and we were playing some good football and it was disappointing to go in at half-time at 2-2.

The most important thing in the second half was to come out and get the win and we did.

I want to play against France and I will be happy if I am needed from the bench or the start.

The Republic of Ireland get the job done at the Aviva, just about, after a thrilling friendly.

After a bright opening, which brought first international goals from O'Dowda and Ferguson, Stephen Kenny's side were pegged back by a wonder strike from Uldrikis and a less spectacular goal from Zjuzins.

Kenny rang the changes in the second period and they had an immediate impact with Ogbene scoring after Johnston had hit the post.

They managed to hold on for the victory which will boost morale ahead of the mammoth clash against France on Monday.

Image source, Inpho

We are into three minutes of additional time with the Republic of Ireland happy to keep possession and see out the win.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

Will Smallbone was absolutely excellent, his partnership on that right hand side with Matt Doherty was excellent throughout the game. He's been my man of the match, he can be very proud of his debut tonight.

Will Smallbone has been awarded man of the match on his debut which included an assist.

Has he played himself into contention to start against France on Monday?

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

That was brilliant play from Johnston, memorizing footwork. He strikes it really well, thinks he beats the goalkeeper, but that's excellent defending.

That would have been some goal from Johnston!

The winger jinks into the penalty area, evading the challenges of three players before seeing his goal bound effort blocked behind for a corner.

He is certainly endearing himself to the home crowd on his debut.

Another few changes for the Republic of Ireland as James McClean comes on for the industrious Callum O'Dowda, who, like Ferguson, scored his first international goal this evening.

Debutant Will Smallbone also makes way for Jeff Hendrick after assisting O'Dowda's opener

Evan Ferguson goes off to a rapturous applause as he is replaced by Troy Parrott having scored his first international goal in his first start.

It seems safe to say that it won't be Ferguson's last goal for his country.

Jonston has another lively moment, in what is so far a bright and brief cameo.

Ferguson slips the ball into him on the right channel, but the winfer's attempted pull back to the striker is cut out.

Just after the hour mark and Stephen Kenny has turned to his bench for a triple substitution.

Andrew Omobamide makes way for John Egan, who takes the captain's armband as Matt Doherty goes off for Chiedozie Ogbene.

The final change sees Mikey Johnston make his international debut as he replaces Michael Obafemi.

Can they spark the Republic of Ireland into life?

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

Keith Andrews is having a chat with Stephen Kenny, obviously about changes they're embarking on, just to freshen things up and give a few players some much needed game time.

Despite a few half chances, the Republic of Ireland have failed to replicate their blistering start to the first period and have yet to test Steinbors.

Ferguson opens his body up before firing well off target.

He was caught after shooting and is walking gingerly at the moment which is a sight no Republic of Ireland fans will want to see.

That strike from Uldrikis in the first half is one you can file under 'you don't save those'.

Image source, Inpho

Just a minute into the second half and Latvia almost do the unthinkable and take the lead, but Gutkovskis again fails to find the target after being picked out in the area.

The Republic of Ireland are struggling in central areas despite having three centre-backs.

The Republic of Ireland kick off the second period, can they regain their lead?

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

The players will know there was a lot of good things they did in that first half, but when you switch off defensively, as a team, in poor areas you get punished.