SHANE DUFFY returned to action last night as the Republic of Ireland hit back to draw 1-1 against Switzerland.

The Albion centre-half was dropped to the bench for last Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Manchester City.

He stood firm in a rearguard action in their Group D qualifier in Dublin until the 74th minute when Fabian Schar fired low into a corner from 15 yards.

David McGoldrick’s first goal for his country brought the Republic level with five minutes remaining. The Sheffield United striker headed home from a James McClean delivery.

Duffy played the entire match as the Republic maintained top spot in the group.

Seagulls frontman Florin Andone, loaned to Galatasaray for the rest of the season, came off the bench to score for Romania in a 2-1 home loss to Spain in Group F.

The striker went on after 56 minutes and reduced the deficit just three minutes later when he headed home from close range.