Jose Holebas has given Greece a 1-0 lead at half-time in their friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

© PA Photos

It was the home side that had the majority of the early possession and Ireland could have had a brace of penalties in the opening five minutes.

A cross from Stephen Ward bounced off Konstantinos Stafylidis's arm inside the box in the opening minute.

Shane Long went down on the edge of the penalty area just three minutes later, but the referee dismissed his appeal for a spot kick.

Georgios Samaras needed treatment after John O'Shea caught the Celtic striker in the face with a stray arm.

Sotiris Ninis had one of the visitor's few chances, with an ambitious strike from 25 yards.

Holebas put Greece ahead just before the half-hour mark with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

There was more bad news for Ireland five minutes later, when Glenn Whelan had to go off with a hamstring injury, Keith Andrews coming on in his place.

Greece finished the half looking the more threatening, leaving Ireland with work to do in the second.