With the Republic already sealing their World Cup play-off spot there wasn’t a great deal riding on this evening's game and there will be many Irish fans thankful of that fact.
In a game deprived of real quality, spectators bore witness to a total of two shots on target.
The first half was fairly frustrating for the home side with Montenegro having much of the early chances - an injury to midfielder Martin Rowlands adding to Ireland's midfield problems.
Just before the half-hour mark Montenegro found themselves in behind the Irish defence with Richard Dunne failing to mark his man.
But fortunately for the Irish Drasco Bozovic was unable to direct his free header towards goal, leaving Shay Given - captaining the side on his 100th appearance to become the first Irish goalkeeper to achieve the accolade - untroubled.
However towards the end of the half the Irish created an opportunity of their own via a free kick from the left-hand side.
Stephen Hunt crossed the ball to find Dunne, who leapt well above two defenders only to see his header rebound back off the crossbar.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first half - lacking any real intensity and urgency. With 58 minutes played there was only one shot on target attributed to the match facts bar and that was credited to the travelling team.
Minutes later however Noel Hunt played in Robbie Keane who, from a tight angle, forced an easy stop from keeper Vukasin Poleksic.
Montenegro seemed eager to achieve a rare away win and ease the pressure on head coach Zoran Filipovic, having a strong penalty shout turned down in the 65th minute.
Pekovic skilfully dribbled his way through the Irish defence and after rounding Given his shot hit the outstretched hand of Paul McShane. But the referee, who was positioned perfectly, turned his back on the Montenegran appeals.
The result means Ireland progress to the play-offs having drawn both their final two qualifiers at home.
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