Evan Ferguson's Ireland debut was a night to remember for the Bettystown man as he scored 17 minutes into his first senior start for the Boys in Green.
But thanks to the Brighton & Hove Albion striker and his teammates, it was also a memorable evening for the young mascots at the Aviva Stadium as the Ireland players gave the mascots their jackets as the rain poured down prior to kick-off.
Pictures show the players wrapping their jackets around the mascots on the pitch as the teams stood ahead of the national anthems.
READ MORE: Ireland captain Seamus Coleman in fitness race for France game
The kind gesture was noticed by many fans, who took to social media to praise the Ireland stars.
One wrote: "A touch of class."
Another commented: "I just wish some of the fans would remember stuff like this when we lose a game."
Someone else said: "To give our lads their due, they might not be worldies in terms of their footballing abilities, but where it counts, it seems they've been brought up properly."
One other person wrote: "What a lovely thing to do."
Ireland's attention now turns to France following Wednesday's 3-2 win, with Les Bleus visiting the Aviva on Monday for the Boys in Green's opening Euro 2024 qualifier.
And Will Smallbone is desperate to test himself against the might of France just days after making his senior Ireland debut.
He said: “Everyone wants to play in that game, a great one for Irish football. Myself personally, I’d love to put myself out against the team that reached the last World Cup final. I’d love to be a part of it.”
Asked if Ireland could approach Monday’s game in the same attacking vain as they did against Latvia, Smallbone replied: “Yes, I don’t see why not.
“Obviously, they’ll have great individuals and great talents in the team, but I think we need to get out there and be competitive. I don’t see why we can’t play that shape.
“We want to go in the game to win it, so I think to we have to be as creative and attacking as we can, while obviously being cautious of their threats.”
READ NEXT:
Ireland 3-2 Latvia: Evan Ferguson scores as Ireland run out winners
Stephen Kenny full of praise for Will Smallbone after Ireland debut
Hugo Keenan gives verdict on Six Nations overturning Freddie Steward red card
Declan Rice hits back at "harsh" Graeme Souness and Roy Keane criticism
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
