It was a memorable occasion on Lansdowne Road last night for two former League of Ireland men who soldiered on Leeside.

Martin O’Neill handed David Meyler the captain’s armband and one of the biggest cheers of the night was for another former Cork City man when Seani Maguire made his international debut as a second half substitute.

It was a very satisfied Meyler who lead his side to an impressive 2-0 win over Moldova who spoke to extratime.ie after the game. “It’s a huge honour for me and my family,” said Meyler about wearing the captain’s armband, “but its more important that we got the three points. We won the game, now we have it all to play for against Wales on Monday”.

Ireland took the lead within two minutes after Shane Duffy flicked on a long throw from Stephen Ward which was directed goal wards and passed the ‘keeper by Daryl Murphy. It was a scenario the Irish squad had clearly worked on in the build up to the game.

“It was something we had been working on in training and we exploited it. Hard work on the training ground pays off, delighted for Murf (Daryl Murphy ) to get the two goals. Longy (Shane Long) should have got two goals and on another night he would have finished them off.”

Striker Seani Maguire came off the bench in second half to earn his first cap. Meyler had great praise for his fellow former Cork City man. “Sean has done fantastic at Cork City. He has impressed since he moved to Preston.

“He’s got an opportunity, he’s come in and he’s worked hard and obviously he got his reward tonight getting his international debut. Now he has to put his head down, keep working hard and get more chances.”

Ireland dominated proceedings at the Aviva but Meyler was quick to defend what he had heard about Moldova before a ball was kicked on Friday night. “Everyone excepts us to walk over Moldova, they’re a good team.

“They’re not no mugs like, they are professional footballers. At times in the middle they caused us a little problem, but they never looked threatening. They had a couple long distance shots but I felt we dealt with everything comfortably.

"You know it’s nice for the lads to get the time, to get the minutes and to get the victory and the confidence will do us a world of good now heading into Monday.”

Ireland’s World Cup 2018 Qualification campaign rests on Monday night’s fixture against Ireland focusing on a win Wales in Cardiff City Stadium.

“I just want to focus on Monday now, that (the Moldova) game is out of the way. We will watch the Wales game (away to Georgia) and then we will prepare for Monday”.

Huge honour to captain Ireland tonight. Good result & all to play for Monday. Well done Big Murph @FAIreland @adidasUK #COYBIG #heretocreate pic.twitter.com/ashhtqbmWC

— David Meyler (@DavidMeyler7) October 6, 2017