Republic of Ireland have eased past Oman in Dublin thanks to goals from Kevin Doyle and Alex Pearce.
New Crystal Palace striker Doyle struck on 19 minutes when he attacked the near post to guide Robbie Brady's corner into the net.
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Shortly before the goal, the home side began to pile the pressure on, and Stephen Quinn fired in an effort after Brady's initial effort was blocked by the Oman defence.
Eid Al-Farsi should have levelled for the visitors, but the striker could only hit the ball straight at Shay Given after escaping the attentions of the Irish defence on the half-hour mark.
Minutes later Alex Pearce had a header cleared off the line, before David Meyler's effort bounced off the crossbar.
After the break, the home side had a great chance to double the lead, but Everton winger Aiden McGeady's effort was cleared off the line by Mohammed Al-Musalami with goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi beaten.
However, Martin O'Neill's side wrapped up the victory nine minutes from time when Pearce rode a couple of challenges before sliding the ball past Al-Habsi.
Paul Gorst
