It was a disappointing outing for the Republic of Ireland, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against Mexico last night.

James McClean was selected as captain for the international friendly in New Jersey, while the ever burgeoning talent Daryl Horgan earned his first start for the Republic of Ireland side.

But despite those positives heading into the fixture, Martin O'Neill's charges found it difficult to live with the pace of the game.

The Mexicans took an early lead through Jesus Corona just after 15 minutes. The Porto player rounded Horgan in the danger area before curling a shot into the top corner, giving Darren Randolph little chance to contest the shot.

Ireland's woes continued less than 10 minutes later, when Mexico were awarded a penalty. A floating ball into the penalty area resulted in McClean nudging Carlos Vela in the back, and the referee made no hesitation in pointing to the spot. McClean was also issued a yellow card for the challenge as Raul Jimenez converted the penalty with ease.

After playing a pivotal role in their second goal, Vela went on to put his own name on the scoresheet and put Mexico 3-0 up in the second half.

An attack from deep saw the ball deflect off Callum O'Dowda and into the path of Oribe Peralta. After Randloph kept his effort out, the ball spilled over to Vela at the goalmouth for the tap-in.

Stephen Gleeson grabbed a consolation effort for Ireland in the 75th minute. Captain McClean atoned for his penalty-conceding tackle with an inviting cross which fell to Gleeson at the edge of Mexico's penalty area.

It was a first senior international goal for the Birmingham City player, although he probably would have preferred it to happen in better circumstances.