Chelsea's Damien Duff scored Ireland's first when A.Reid controlled a high ball on the edge of his own box and laid his pass straight into Duff's path. He then ran the length of the pitch and beat two players before slotting in with his left-foot.
Ireland's second came in debatable circumstances. Reid, wearing an unfamilar number six shirt, got to the byline and floated a left-footed cross onto Robbie Keane's head. A mixture of defender and goalkeeper scrambled to keep the ball out but replays showed the ball had crossed the line.
Robbie Keane then scored his 18th Republic of Ireland goal just before the end. Reidy gained plenty of plaudits and superlatives and many Irish fans will now believe me when I say he's the biggest asset outside of the Premiership.
Forest manager Paul Hart watched from the stands at Lansdowne Road.