While Thursday's friendly win over New Zealand offered some green shots, John O'Shea noticed a Waterford connection for the goals.
As a man who was born and bred in the city and as someone who played for Waterford Bohemians, he was particularly chuffed about Ireland's win.
Speaking on Friday's OTB AM, the former Ireland centre-back said it was an important night for The Déise.
"It was a big night for Waterford last night and the city played a part in all those goals for Ireland.
"Lee O'Connor with the assist for the last goal, Sean Maguire played for Waterford United and Derrick Williams is a Tramore man.
"All of them played a big part last night in the win," O'Shea said
In particular, he was impressed with the young Celtic right-back Lee O'Connor who he felt made a good first impression.
Debut performance
"He really enjoyed it and I would have hoped he got a bit more involved attacking-wise, Robbie [Brady] was checking back in on his left foot from the right-hand side.
"Lee was probably thinking he should just let Robbie get on with it, but he was very comfortable on the ball. Defensively a few times you would have hoped he got a bit closer to the New Zealand full-back bombing on as well.
"All in all though for a debut performance when you have not played for your club team, it was very, very promising," the former United centre-back stated.
In terms of Mick McCarthy's team selection for the friendly, O'Shea thinks it was the right call to go with the younger players.
"I would have saved every ounce of energy that is gonna be needed for Monday night for that starting eleven.
"That is the one thing we showed, we pressed New Zealand high up the pitch and you could see the players were fresh," O'Shea said.
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