Under 21 International
Switzerland 0 Republic of Ireland 2
Bolton striker Jon Walters scored two goals on his debut to stun the Group 10 leaders and make it a very happy return to Neuchatel for Republic of Ireland boss Don Givens.
It was the perfect way for Givens to celebrate being awarded a new two-year contract, and it showed there are some bright youngsters emerging for the Republic of Ireland.
Givens played for the final eight years of his career at Neuchatel Xamax, and when he retired in 1987 he went on to coach the club for two years.
So it was an emotional return to the Stade de la Maladiere for the former Republic striker as his experimental team blitzed the Swiss with goals from Walters after 61 and 74 minutes.
It was route one football but that hardly mattered as Tottenham full-back Stephen Kelly got free down the right and put in a deep cross to the far post for Walters to rise highest and power home a bullet header.
Ireland, beaten 3-2 at home by the Swiss almost 12 months ago to the day, were keen for revenge and Sean Thornton almost doubled their advantage three minutes later.
He cut in from the right and unleashed a powerful left foot drive which forced goalkeeper Wolfli to get down well and claim.
Ireland's victory was complete when Walters scored with another header after 74 minutes. This time Shelbourne's Wes Hoolahan was the provider with a corner which Walters finished from close range.
Both sets of fans reserved the biggest roar of the evening for Walters when he was replaced eight minutes from the end.
