If Mick McCarthy sipped a late one last night and trotted off to bed with a happy feeling, he was more than entitled to. Last night was perfect in many respects, but in the long run it bore very little relation to the upcoming European Championship qualification matches.

Ireland looked extremely comfortable throughout and established a tempo which suited them early on. They played with beautiful width, stringing nice passes together, looking assured at the back on the rare occasions when they were questioned, and really played with composure and balance.

Again, Damien Duff showed his pedigree. Paraguay play extremely deep, a typically South American style, and that suited the Blackburn lad, it gave him an extra yard or two of space he won't normally see at international level. But he just raced through what ground he was shown and whipped in some devilish crosses. That ability he has to simply breeze by opponents is priceless at this level. I'm sure he has already raised a few eyebrows among other managers in the Irish qualifying group. His continuing development has to please McCarthy greatly.

On the opposite wing, Jason McAteer also rediscovered a little of his old imagination. As usual, he ran selflessly, but he also threaded through a couple of delightful passes, the first of which directly led to the foul on Robbie Keane for the penalty.

If you count Duff as an attacker, which he essentially was last night, then the front three flourished. Quinn caused all sorts of bother, something he will always do provided he is given quality ball. He is a wonderfully perceptive footballer, Quinn, always alert, and has an ability to deliver fine first-touch passes.

Just flicking through the team, it's difficult to fault anyone. Denis Irwin again underlined the fact that he oozes class. He's a model professional. Gary Breen did well at the back, but as a unit they were never really bothered, which is perhaps a pity in the long term because they will certainly see more action when the team travel to Macedonia.

But Ireland did enjoy a lavish amount of possession last night, a luxury which comes along once in a blue moon at international level. It could be argued that the players should have tucked away a few more opportunities - other international sides would have stung this second-string Paraguayan side by more. But it's hypothetical. Mick McCarthy will be pleased enough that his team fashioned chances, that they exploited their opponents at the back and that they look like a settled side now.

Undeniably, Mick McCarthy has created the nucleus of a new side, a true departure from the Charlton era. Whether this team evolves into a dangerous, consistent force remains to be seen. Potentially they can. It comes down to this: can they pick up points in foreign venues?

Beating Paraguay 2-0 in Lansdowne Road in February won't really take them any closer to answering that question, but it was a worthwhile evening in that the team played extremely well, youngsters like Robbie Keane got another chance to shine, the Roy Keane-Kinsella midfield axis grows more solid with each outing and they hit a couple of goals.

All positive and ideal for helping Mick McCarthy implement a positive frame of mind when the squad get together in six weeks' time.

As for Paraguay, well, they came to Dublin and tried to play the game in the style they are used to. They defended doggedly and didn't crumble despite being under pressure. At least their coach, Almeida, can take some consolation from the fact that he brought a home grown squad here that is capable of competing. They showed some stomach. They won't be too perturbed by the result, just as the Irish team won't be all that excited by it.

All that can be said is that it looks like the pieces are beginning to fall into place. Ireland have struck upon a formation that the players are comfortable with, they seem to be enjoying their football and resemble a team that has the capacity to cause problems against quality opposition. Ireland can create now, but can they deny opposing threats over a sustained period?

A good night then, in so far as friendlies go. This match did nothing to suggest that we don't have the armoury to make it back to the big time, but it wasn't our ticket back to those glory days either. A small step forward, a pat on the back was all it was. There'll be twists along the road yet.

(In an interview with Keith Duggan).