Former Brighton academy coach Mark Beard is delighted for Andrew Moran after his Republic of Ireland debut.

The midfielder, on-loan with Blackburn Rovers, featured in the 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand.

Beard said: “I spoke to him a couple of days ago and he just hoped he would get some minutes.

“Even if he hadn't, it was still an amazing experience to be at that stadium and around those players.

“He is unbelievable. He is the best player I've worked with.

“I know I say that about Evan Ferguson but consistently, week in and week out, Andy Moran is a phenomenal player.

“I played 4-4-2 and played Andy off Zak Emmerson and then Evan.

“I said to the other coaches who used to shout at the players, 'When he gets the ball, don't tell him anything' .

“I did that because I knew he could pick passes no one else could see or he could just put one in the top corner."