Kerrific as game plan points way to top spot

MANAGER Brian Kerr expressed delight at Ireland’s achievement in damaging France’s prospects of finishing top of the World Cup qualifying group in Stade de France.

France have now lost four points from two home matches after Ireland succeeded in drawing with them in Paris, as did Israel in another scoreless game on September 4. The Irish performance gave particular satisfaction to Kerr.

He said: “It was very hard work for everyone out there but we had a good game plan. The players stuck to it and got the point, helped by the support we had out there.