Sam Szmodics got the chance to test himself against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes as Ireland were beaten 3-0 by Portugal.

Szmodics won his fourth cap on the international stage, playing 70 minutes before making way for Jason Knight.

Joao Felix opened the scoring, drilling a low drive into the bottom corner after combining with Fernandes.

Szmodics saw a couple of shots blocked as Ireland battled to get back on level terms, but Ronaldo doubled the lead early in the second half with a strike that arrowed past Caoimhin Kelleher into the top corner.

The former Manchester United star added a third on the hour mark, providing another ruthless finish after he was teed up by Diogo Jota.

After the final whistle, interim boss John O’Shea told the press:  “When you give a team the quality of Portugal the goals that we did, it's very frustrating.

“We've reflected on it quickly with the players and you can't concede from a set-piece like that.

“You want the players to understand how important it is for this country to get back qualifying for tournaments.

“I’ve said to the players in there that, with the players that are missing this evening as well, that there’s more to come. They have to give more.

“They’ve shown it in glimpses and you have to give more to get to major tournaments, in terms of that dedication and sacrifice, on their fitness and as you mention their strength too”.

Szmodics’ long season has now come to an end, racking up more than 50 appearances for club and country since the 2-1 win against West Brom on the opening day.

Ireland have no more fixtures scheduled until the Nations League campaign kicks off against England and Greece in September.

Elsewhere, Connor O’Riordan and Andrew Moran featured for Ireland’s Under-21 side as they drew 2-2 against England.

Moran played the second half and Riordan was introduced for the final 12 minutes, while Ben Chrisene was an unused substitute for the Young Lions.