Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni tried an experimental, youthful side with Manchester United youngster Robbie Brady and Sunderland midfielder David Meyler making their senior debuts.

Ireland started brightly and took the lead after seven minutes. A free-kick from Brady was whipped in deep and long to the far post where Sean St Ledger was waiting to head the ball back into the path of Shane Long to score his eighth international goal.

Andy Keogh should have doubled the lead not long after but he shot straight at the impressive Ali Al-Habsi.

However, the Wigan goalkeeper could do nothing about Ireland's second. Kevin Doyle got on the end of another free-kick to flick the ball back to debutant Brady who volleyed home on 23 minutes.

Ireland made it three through Wolves striker Kevin Doyle in the 36th minute before Oman pulled a goal back with less than 20 minutes to play through Al Farsi.

But the hosts restored their three-goal advantage with five minutes remaining after Alex Pearce headed home from the edge of the box to score his first senior goal on debut.

In Tuesday's other friendly, the Czech Republic suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Finland.

Michal Bilek's Czech side, who kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a goalless draw in Denmark, were edged by an impressive Finish outfit following Teemu Pukki's 43rd-minute winner.

Finland are scheduled to host Georgia in their next World Cup qualifier in October, while the Czechs play minnows Malta.