The Republic of Ireland concluded their training camp in Murcia with a clinical display, recording an emphatic 5-0 victory over Grenada at the Estadio Enrique Roca.

A scoreless first half belied Ireland’s total dominance of possession and territory, but the deadlock was shattered after the interval. Second-half substitute Tom Cannon netted twice, while Jack Moylan enjoyed a landmark senior debut, claiming the match ball with a clinical second-half hat-trick.

Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson used the fixture to further integrate emerging talent, handing senior starts to Tayo Adaramola and Jack Moylan, while Adam Idah was tasked with leading the line as a lone striker.

The experimental nature of the squad yielded six further debuts over the course of the 90 minutes. Will Ferry made an immediate impact off the bench, setting up the opening goal, while Millenic Alli, Aidomo Emakhu, Rory Finneran, and goalkeeper Josh Keeley all earned their first senior caps in a productive evening for the international setup.

Ireland established control from the outset and fashioned their first opening in the fifth minute. Adam Idah produced a deft lay-off for the advancing Moylan, but the midfielder’s curling effort drifted just over Trishawn Thomas’ crossbar.

Moylan was involved again moments later, forcing a superb reaction save from Thomas after Ireland’s high press—led by the energetic Adaramola—forced a hurried clearance. Grenada’s goalkeeper was kept busy throughout the opening period, notably pushing a well-struck Conor Coventry drive around the post in the 19th minute.

The woodwork denied Ireland a deserved lead in the 30th minute. Chiedozie Ogbene surged down the right flank before squaring to Idah, whose sliding effort whistled inches wide. Ogbene then took matters into his own hands, rattling the upright following a sharp turn inside a crowded penalty area.

Despite further chances for Idah and Moylan before the break, Grenada held firm to reach half-time on level terms. However, Hallgrímsson’s triple substitution at the break provided the necessary spark.

Within 60 seconds of the restart, debutant Will Ferry delivered an incisive pass to fellow substitute Tom Cannon, who turned his marker brilliantly before firing low into the bottom corner.

Cannon doubled his tally in the 55th minute. A flowing move started by Andy Moran found Idah inside the area; the striker unselfishly laid the ball back for Cannon to rifle a first-time finish home.

The floodgates opened in the 61st minute as Jack Moylan registered his first senior goal, latching onto a perfectly weighted pass to slot calmly past the helpless Thomas.

Ireland’s set-piece threat remained constant, with Cannon seeing a goal-bound header cleared off the line and later striking the crossbar with a magnificent 25-yard free-kick.

The fourth goal arrived in the 79th minute. Moran was again the architect, linking up cleverly with Moylan, who made no mistake with a low finish at the near post.

Moylan completed his hat-trick and the scoring four minutes later. Meeting a precise cross from Alli, the debutant rose highest to power a header home and seal a five-star performance for the Boys in Green.

While Thomas produced a late save to deny Cannon a hat-trick of his own, the night belonged to Ireland’s new generation as they headed home with a clean sheet and a wealth of international experience.

Republic of Ireland: O’Leary (Keeley 74); Abankwah, O’Shea (C), Adaramola (Ferry 46); Molumby (Finneran 74), McGuinness (Cannon 46), Coventry (Moran 46), Knight, Ogbene (Emakhu 63); Moylan, Idah (Alli 63).

Subs not used: Cahill (GK), Cashin.

Grenada: Thomas (GK); John-Brown (Ettienne 66), Harrack, Sandiford, Vincent-Young, Gabriel (Lett 66), Muirhead (Sylvester 85), Charles, Hippolyte, Francis (Raeburn 78), Akins (Phillip 78).

Subs not used: Charles (GK), Pierre, Williams, Valcin, Frank.

Referee: Seth Galia (GIB)
Sky Player of the Match: Jack Moylan (Ireland)