Rep. of Ireland 1 - 2 Norway: Long pleases Trapattoni but Pedersen spoils Given's record-setting 109th game

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni consoled himself in the wake of defeat by Norway with the hope that he has found another top striker in Shane Long.

The Reading frontman nervelessly converted a fifth-minute penalty he had won himself and might have claimed a second goal just after the restart as he proved an able deputy to injured skipper Robbie Keane.

It was Long's fifth senior international goal on his 16th appearance for his country and his fifth start, the fourth of which came in last month's 1-1 Euro 2012 qualifier draw in Slovakia.

Trapattoni said: "It is important he is now playing for his club every week and scoring goals, and I like his personality.

"He held the ball well, he was very offensive. In the second-half, he could have scored another goal. If he continues playing with his club, we have found another striker."

Ireland got off to a dream start when Long prompted Norway skipper Hangeland to make an ill-judged challenge. The striker stepped up to fire low to keeper Jon Knudsen's right to get the home side off to the perfect start.

But Morten Gamst Pedersen dragged the visitors back into the game. His superb 34th-minute free-kick ended keeper Shay Given's hopes of marking his record 109th appearance for his country with a clean sheet, and the Blackburn man did the damage once again four minutes from time with the perfect cross for Erik Huseklepp to slot home the winner.

Republic of Ireland: Given, Kelly, O'Shea, O'Dea, Cunningham, Lawrence (McGeady 45), Fahey, Whelan, Duff, Long, Doyle (Walters 45). Subs not used: Murphy, Foley, Coleman, Wilson, Treacy, Hunt.

Norway: Knudsen (Pettersen 45), Hogli, Waehler, Hangeland, JA Riise, Hauger, Pedersen, Grindheim, Moen, Helstad (BH Riise 45), Huseklepp. Subs not used: Demidov, Bjorn Helge Moldskred, Parr, Jenssen, Haestad.