DUBLIN - Ireland made amends for some disappointing recent home losses by beating Poland 2-0 in an international friendly on Wednesday, easing some of the pressure on veteran coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

Ciaran Clark put the Irish ahead in the 35th minute at Lansdowne Road and Wes Hoolahan sealed victory in the 76th, with both players grabbing their first international goals.

Ireland's last two matches in Dublin have ended in defeats — a 6-1 hammering by Germany in October and then a 1-0 loss to Greece in November.

"This will give us a massive lift ... and we can take confidence into the next games," said Clark, referring to crucial World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria next month.

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