The Republic of Ireland's youthful side answered Giovanni Trapattoni's call as a solid display earned a 0-0 draw against Serbia in Belgrade.

James McCarthy and James McClean both competed well in midfield with Keiren Westwood reassuring in goal.

Jonathan Walters did miss chances in both halves with Aiden McGeady denied by Serbian keeper Vladimir Stojkovic.

Westwood saved efforts from Aleksandar Kolarov and Zdravko Kuzmanovic as the Republic regrouped following Euro 2012.

Following Shay Given's international retirement and the absence of regulars Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff, Trapattoni gave youth a chance at the Red Star Stadium with McCarthy and McClean among the starters.

Trapattoni also moved away from his normal rigid 4-4-2 line-up with Glenn Whelan operating between defence and midfield and Walters as a lone frontman.

With McGeady starting in his regular left wing berth, McClean partnered McCarthy in central midfield in the first half as the Republic of Ireland manager indulged in some uncharacteristic tinkering.

Amid a low-key atmosphere, the Republic looked reasonably compact early on with McCarthy producing some crisp passes.

Upcoming Rep of Ireland fixtures

  • 7 Sept: World Cup qualifier v Kazakhstan (away)
  • 11 Sept: Friendly v Oman (Craven Cottage)
  • 12 Oct: World Cup qualifier v Germany (home)
  • 16 Oct: World Cup qualifier v Faroe Islands (away)

However, the Wigan midfielder gifted the Serbians a chance in the 18th minute as he lost possession on the edge of his own penalty before Kolarov's shot was blocked.

As the pace lifted, Kolarov tested Westwood with a long-range effort a minute later but the Republic's response saw them missing the best chance of the first half as Walters saw his shot blocked by Milan Bisevac after a Simon Cox burst.

Whelan nearly caught Serbian keeper Stojkovic off his line with a lobbed effort in the 28th minute, but Darren O'Dea then had to produce a perfectly-timed challenge to dispossess Dusan Tadic as the hosts threatened at the other end.

Tadic was a danger on a couple of occasions after the restart with Cox producing a timely challenge as the FC Twente player threatened to pull the trigger in the 47th minute.

The Serbians claimed for a penalty in the 53rd minute after Paul McShane appeared to handle but the Irish were continuing to compete well in midfield after the engine room woes of Euro 2012.

Walters went close in the 55th minute as he flicked a McClean cross just wide after McGeady's initial midfield thrust.

A superb McCarthy challenge in midfield then set up a chance for McGeady on 63 minutes which forced Stojkovic to make a smart save.

Westwood's encouraging display continued as he scampered across his line to save a Kuzmanovic free-kick on 71 minutes.

Nemanja Tomic fired over from long range late on but the Republic were worth their draw.

Lineup, Bookings (1) & Substitutions (10)

Serbia

  • 01 Stojkovic
  • 04 Bisevac (Maksimovic - 46' )
  • 05 Mattija Nastasic
  • 06 Ivanovic
  • 11 Kolarov
  • 07 Tosic (Tomic - 81' )
  • 16 Mijailovic (Ninkovic - 63' )
  • 17 Ignjovski
  • 19 Tadic (Duricic - 63' )
  • 22 Kuzmanovic (Basta - 81' )
  • 09 Lekic (Markovic - 46' )

Substitutes

  • 13 Kahriman
  • 23 Brkic
  • 03 Maksimovic
  • 18 Basta
  • 20 Subotic
  • 08 Duricic
  • 10 Ninkovic
  • 14 Tomic
  • 15 Radovanovic
  • 21 Markovic

Rep of Ireland

  • 01 Westwood
  • 02 Kelly
  • 04 O'Shea
  • 15 O'Dea
  • 21 McShane
  • 06 Whelan Booked (Green - 60' )
  • 07 McGeady (Coleman - 78' )
  • 11 McClean (Keogh - 69' )
  • 18 McCarthy
  • 12 Walters (O'Brien - 78' )
  • 14 Cox

Substitutes

  • 16 Forde
  • 23 Randolph
  • 05 O'Brien
  • 17 Coleman
  • 22 Delaney
  • 13 Green
  • 10 Long
  • 20 Keogh
Ref: Tudor
Att: 7,800

Match Stats

Shots

14 8

On target

5 5

Corners

11 5

Fouls

16 19

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +2:55 Full time

Full Time The referee blows for the end of the match.

90:00 +2:12

Outswinging corner taken by Nemanja Tomic from the right by-line, James McCarthy makes a clearance.

90:00 +1:22

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Nemanja Tomic from the left by-line, John O'Shea makes a clearance. Outswinging corner taken by Nemanja Tomic, clearance by John O'Shea.

87:53

Shot by Nemanja Tomic from just outside the area goes over the net.

84:58

Simon Cox is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Mattija Nastasic restarts play with the free kick.

84:21

Paul McShane fouled by Nemanja Tomic, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Keiren Westwood.

83:13

Drilled shot by Nemanja Tomic went over the crossbar.

82:48

Corner taken by Aleksandar Kolarov, clearance by John O'Shea.

82:39

Aleksandar Kolarov delivers the ball, clearance by James McCarthy.

80:35

Paul McShane restarts play with the free kick.

80:35 Substitution

Substitution (Serbia) makes a substitution, with Dusan Basta coming on for Zdravko Kuzmanovic.

80:35 Substitution

Substitution Zoran Tosic goes off and Nemanja Tomic comes on.

80:35

Free kick awarded for a foul by Aleksandar Kolarov on John O'Shea.

78:52

Effort on goal by Zoran Tosic from just inside the penalty area goes over the target.

77:38 Substitution

Substitution Seamus Coleman joins the action as a substitute, replacing Aiden McGeady.

77:38 Substitution

Substitution Joey O'Brien on for Jonathan Walters.

76:51

Foul by Paul Green on Filip Duricic, free kick awarded. Branislav Ivanovic takes the free kick.

75:51

Milos Ninkovic takes a shot. Comfortable save by Keiren Westwood.

73:41

Aleksandar Kolarov challenges Jonathan Walters unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by James McCarthy, Nikola Maksimovic manages to make a clearance.

72:31

Lazar Markovic takes a shot. Blocked by John O'Shea.

71:06

Jonathan Walters fouled by Zoran Tosic, the ref awards a free kick. John O'Shea takes the indirect free kick.

70:41

Free kick awarded for a foul by Paul McShane on Nikola Maksimovic. Free kick taken by Vladimir Stojkovic.

69:11

John O'Shea gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Lazar Markovic. Zdravko Kuzmanovic shoots direct from the free kick, save by Vladimir Stojkovic.

68:13 Substitution

Substitution Andy Keogh is brought on as a substitute for James McClean.

68:06

The ball is swung over by Filip Duricic, Darren O'Dea manages to make a clearance.

64:57

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Zoran Tosic.

63:55

Effort on goal by Milos Ninkovic from just inside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the target.

63:49

The ball is crossed by Aleksandar Kolarov, Paul McShane manages to make a clearance.

62:31 Substitution

Substitution Srdan Mijailovic leaves the field to be replaced by Milos Ninkovic.

62:31 Substitution

Substitution Filip Duricic joins the action as a substitute, replacing Dusan Tadic.

61:58

Aiden McGeady takes a shot. Comfortable save by Vladimir Stojkovic.

60:46

Aiden McGeady delivers the ball, Mattija Nastasic manages to make a clearance. The ball is sent over by Paul McShane.

60:04

Aleksandar Kolarov takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the bar.

59:03 Substitution

Substitution Paul Green replaces Glenn Whelan.

58:53

Branislav Ivanovic produces a cross, Glenn Whelan manages to make a clearance.

57:47

Corner taken left-footed by Aleksandar Kolarov from the left by-line, John O'Shea makes a clearance.

57:40

Centre by Aleksandar Kolarov, John O'Shea makes a clearance.

56:13

Jonathan Walters fouled by Nikola Maksimovic, the ref awards a free kick. Shot comes in from James McClean from the free kick.

55:02

Effort from deep inside the area by Aiden McGeady misses to the right of the goal.

53:33

Corner taken by Dusan Tadic, clearance made by Darren O'Dea.

51:52

Foul by John O'Shea on Aleksandar Ignjovski, free kick awarded. Aleksandar Kolarov restarts play with the free kick.

51:32

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jonathan Walters on Mattija Nastasic. Direct free kick taken by Mattija Nastasic.

49:52

Effort on goal by Aleksandar Kolarov from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.

49:28

Direct free kick taken by Aleksandar Kolarov.

49:28 Booking

Booking Glenn Whelan is cautioned.

49:01

Foul by Glenn Whelan on Aleksandar Kolarov, free kick awarded.

47:39

Glenn Whelan gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Aleksandar Ignjovski. Free kick taken by Mattija Nastasic.

46:55

Glenn Whelan fouled by Aleksandar Ignjovski, the ref awards a free kick. Keiren Westwood takes the free kick.

45:01

The match restarts for the second half.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Dejan Lekic leaves the field to be replaced by Lazar Markovic.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Milan Bisevac goes off and Nikola Maksimovic comes on.

45:00 +0:03 Half time

Half Time The match has reached half-time.

43:31

Aleksandar Kolarov sends in a cross, clearance made by Glenn Whelan.

42:37

Dusan Tadic challenges James McClean unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by James McClean from left wing, Dejan Lekic manages to make a clearance.

42:29

The ball is crossed by Stephen Kelly, clearance by Milan Bisevac.

42:03

Foul by Zdravko Kuzmanovic on Glenn Whelan, free kick awarded. Glenn Whelan takes the free kick.

41:27

Aleksandar Kolarov gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Darren O'Dea. John O'Shea takes the free kick.

41:06

Free kick awarded for a foul by Dejan Lekic on Stephen Kelly. Stephen Kelly takes the indirect free kick.

37:34

Aleksandar Kolarov fouled by Aiden McGeady, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed by Aleksandar Kolarov, Darren O'Dea makes a clearance.

35:06

Aleksandar Kolarov fouled by Paul McShane, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Aleksandar Kolarov.

34:22

Effort from outside the penalty box by Paul McShane goes wide left of the goal.

33:17

Inswinging corner taken by Dusan Tadic from the right by-line, Keiren Westwood makes a comfortable save.

31:55

Inswinging corner taken by Dusan Tadic from the right by-line, Paul McShane makes a clearance.

31:48

Aleksandar Kolarov crosses the ball.

30:48

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jonathan Walters on Mattija Nastasic. Free kick taken by Mattija Nastasic.

29:50

Dejan Lekic takes a shot. Stephen Kelly manages to make a clearance.

28:52

Centre by Aleksandar Kolarov, Header from deep inside the penalty area by Zdravko Kuzmanovic goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

28:25

Shot from 20 yards by Glenn Whelan. Save made by Vladimir Stojkovic.

28:06

Corner from the right by-line taken by James McClean, save by Vladimir Stojkovic.

27:45

Shot by Glenn Whelan. Save by Vladimir Stojkovic.

26:22

Dusan Tadic takes a inswinging corner to the near post, Zdravko Kuzmanovic produces a header from inside the area that goes over the crossbar.

25:04

Jonathan Walters gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Branislav Ivanovic. Branislav Ivanovic takes the indirect free kick.

22:44

Corner taken left-footed by Aleksandar Kolarov from the left by-line, Glenn Whelan manages to make a clearance.

21:54

Inswinging corner taken by James McClean from the right by-line, Jonathan Walters gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mattija Nastasic. Vladimir Stojkovic takes the indirect free kick.

21:37

Glenn Whelan delivers the ball, Milan Bisevac makes a clearance.

19:07

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by James McClean, Foul by Jonathan Walters on Vladimir Stojkovic, free kick awarded. Vladimir Stojkovic takes the free kick.

18:51

Jonathan Walters takes a shot. Clearance by Milan Bisevac.

18:27

Aleksandar Kolarov takes a shot. Save made by Keiren Westwood.

17:58

Glenn Whelan challenges Dejan Lekic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Zoran Tosic.

17:38

The referee penalises Glenn Whelan for handball. Free kick taken by Aleksandar Ignjovski.

17:09

Shot from long range by Aleksandar Kolarov misses to the right of the goal.

13:31

Dejan Lekic concedes a free kick for a foul on Simon Cox. James McCarthy takes the free kick.

12:38

Corner taken left-footed by James McClean, save by Vladimir Stojkovic.

12:13

Dejan Lekic gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Darren O'Dea. Glenn Whelan takes the free kick.

11:40

Mattija Nastasic concedes a free kick for a foul on Jonathan Walters. Free kick taken by Aiden McGeady.

10:45

Aiden McGeady sends in a cross, clearance by Mattija Nastasic.

8:56

Unfair challenge on Mattija Nastasic by Jonathan Walters results in a free kick. Mattija Nastasic takes the free kick.

7:24

Short corner taken by Aiden McGeady, clearance by Branislav Ivanovic.

6:53

Mattija Nastasic concedes a free kick for a foul on Aiden McGeady. The free kick is delivered left-footed by James McClean from right wing, Branislav Ivanovic makes a clearance.

5:42

Milan Bisevac gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Simon Cox. Shot on goal comes in from James McClean from the free kick.

4:53

Milan Bisevac fouled by Jonathan Walters, the ref awards a free kick. Milan Bisevac takes the free kick.

4:08

Foul by Darren O'Dea on Dejan Lekic, free kick awarded. Zdravko Kuzmanovic takes the direct free kick.

3:18

Aleksandar Ignjovski concedes a free kick for a foul on Glenn Whelan. Free kick taken by Glenn Whelan.

1:59

Unfair challenge on Aleksandar Ignjovski by Simon Cox results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Zdravko Kuzmanovic.

0:49

Jonathan Walters gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Branislav Ivanovic. Milan Bisevac takes the free kick.

0:00

The match has kicked off.

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