The Republic of Ireland have been beaten 2 - 1 by Serbia in tonight's friendly international at the Aviva Stadium.

During a dominant first half display, Ireland raced into an early lead when Shane Long took advantage of a mix up in the Serbian defence to chip the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Long could have finished the game with a hat-trick after he shot tamely when put through on goal, before shooting wide with another attempted chip.

But Serbia punished Ireland's failure to convert their chances after scoring twice in the second half.

The visitors equalized just three minutes into the second-half when James McCarthy conceded an own goal after trying to block a pass from Alexander Kolarov.

And Filip Djordjevic then grabbed the winner on the hour mark after firing-home from close range at the back-post.