Hammer Declan Rice was awarded the man of the match for Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 win over the USA last night.
Martin O’Neill’s side were on the back of a three-game losing streak, their most recent being a 2-0 defeat by France in Paris last Monday.
They had only scored six goals in their previous nine previous outings and were frustrated during a tight first half at the Aviva stadium.
The USA had beaten Bolivia 3-0 in their last game and manager Dave Sarachan again fielded a young side; only three players in his starting line-up were born before the 1990 World Cup.
Both teams failed to qualify for this month’s World Cup in Russia, but Shamrock Rovers striker Burke gave Ireland a lift when he guided Blackburn defender Lenihan’s effort into a net left open by the stranded Hamid.
Rice played in the defensive centre midfield role again and was involved in Ireland’s second goal.
“I thought he was exceptional tonight. He has shown great maturity,” O’Neill said after the game.
“His ball to James McClean in the last couple of minutes, I said, it was as if he has played 100 times for his club and international games.
“Finding the man and playing the pass with precision, which allowed James go into the penalty area, before Alan Judge followed it in.
“Where he plays is another thing. He played in midfield tonight but I’m not so sure he knows himself exactly where he wants to play
The Hammer who is said to earn just £2,000 per week at present is set to receive a new contract offer made up of a £20,000 per week basic and up to £20,000 per week in bonuses relating to appearances and clean sheets.
