The 29-year-old was rejected by hometown club Cardiff and played for Bristol City and Fleetwood before achieving success under McKenna at Ipswich.
Michael O’Neill’s side had two goals ruled out and hit the post in the first half.
The visitors had a last-gasp equaliser ruled out by VAR as they lost to Croatia.
The Australian’s trademark first-half streak through a hapless Rovers rearguard proved the only try of a bruising but engaging affair.
Carsley managed the Crystal Palace defender at Under-21s level.
Ryan Christie had put the visitors on front.
Ireland opened their Group B2 account with a 2-1 victory in Finland.
The Aberdeen winger said he had combined his ‘two favourite things in one tattoo’.
Begiristain was widely credited with luring compatriot Pep Guardiola to take the manager’s job in 2016.
The teams meet in the World Cup in Sharjah on Sunday.
Ireland beat Finland 2-1 in Helsinki on Thursday evening.
Carsley’s chances of becoming Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor took a severe blow on Thursday.
Thursday’s Nations League clash with Greece began with hopeful expectation and ended with boos after the 2-1 defeat at Wembley.
Forest were unhappy with Stuart Attwell’s performance in their defeat to Everton in April and pointed out he is a fan of relegation rivals Luton.
The Australian revealed last month that he intends to return to his homeland and step away from the sport.
