The joys of summer

Rep of Ireland 2 Georgia 0

Ireland were comfortable winners of the Group 10 qualifier that saw them return to their best form with a mature, well-balanced performance that was too powerful for Georgia.

And on a night when many of Ireland’s players made memorable individual contributions, Colin Healy emerged from the shadows at Parkhead to establish himself as an international player of genuine talent.

Brian Kerr’s team selection caused a surprise, for who could have forecast the inclusion of the 23-year-old Healy in Ireland’s midfield. It proved an inspirational decision because the young Celtic midfielder was dynamic in a team that played compelling football at pace and with accuracy.

His contribution mocked his lack of status at Celtic where he has had a fallow season, without first-team football, obviously without encouragement, and without the opportunity to make progress.

It is not for me to speculate on the reasons why Martin O’Neill ignored him, but Healy was comfortable and authoritative in the heart of Ireland’s midfield and a positive influence on Ireland’s play.

There was a range and a breadth to his passing that has been missing since the days of Liam Brady. This is not to make a comparison between the two, merely a suggestion that Healy’s ability to mix his range of passing and find paths through Georgia’s massed defence was of enormous assistance to Ireland’s front-runners.

Healy’s work provided a level of penetration that was lacking in Duff’s absence.

And for 25 minutes there was a drive and a focus to Ireland’s football that should have yielded dividends.

O’Shea was narrowly wide with a header, Khizanishvili almost turned one into his own net under pressure from Doherty and Kilbane wasted the best opportunity, scooping a half-volley over from seven yards.

There were elements of Ireland’s play that were less than satisfactory even as they dictated the trend and the tempo of the game. Gary Doherty found it difficult to get near the ball against Georgia’s powerful central defensive trio.

They were strong and resourceful with Kaladze showing all the style of a Champions’ League winner with AC Milan but Doherty is made of stern stuff and would not be discouraged.

His partner, Robbie Keane, probably played more ball than anybody else on the pitch in a typical all-action performance. But too often he dribbled until he lost possession and he spent too much time in midfield. Yet his special qualities were of precious value to Ireland and his capacity for work was formidable.

Ireland deserved a more generous return, but there was never any suggestion that a group of players who once again maintained a remarkable level of commitment would be discouraged by the absence of a breakthrough. For all their possession, Ireland seldom forced goalkeeper Lomaia into action, but their persistence was intimidating for Georgia.

A goal after 43 minutes was deserved reward and just the encouragement they needed to maintain the pressure on Georgia. It came in unlikely circumstances as Doherty found space in the box to flick a header past Lomaia from Kilbane’s accurate and speedy free-kick.

That the referee had occasion to reprimand Kaladaze minutes earlier for restraining Doherty was perhaps an influence.

Where Doherty had been forced to wrestle Georgia’s powerful defenders as he sought a degree of freedom in a crowded penalty area, he must have been pleasantly surprised to be able to deflect an unimpeded header.

A second goal 13 minutes into the second half effectively settled the issue. Georgia were unable to break free and when Lee Carsley flicked a ball over his head to find Keane surging into the box, Georgia’s defensive line was breached. Keane was decisive and cool as he set himself up before clipping the ball past Lomaia.

Georgia enjoyed more success in the closing 20 minutes but the emphasis for Ireland at that stage was on ensuring they did not concede.

It was noticeable that Keane was less often seen in midfield as Ireland ensured they did not commit too many men forward.

Overall it was a night of triumph of team planning and execution for Kerr and his men.

The return to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation was, obviously, a success, but it was always predictable Ireland would find the drive and energy that had been missing against Albania.

Healy was outstanding and there were others who reaped a bountiful harvest from a match that confirmed the strength and viability of Ireland’s qualification challenge.

Kilbane showed his marvellous versatility on the left flank and had his best performance for Ireland. And right through the team, Ireland had players of substance.

Russia come to Dublin in September and will view Ireland’s developing challenge with some trepidation. Then it will be Switzerland in Berne.

And after this latest triumph, Ireland’s attitude must be ‘bring them all on’.

IRELAND (4-4-2): Given; Carr, Breen, Cunningham, O’Shea; Carsley, Holland, Healy (Kinsella 86), Kilbane; Doherty (Lee 88), Keane.

GEORGIA (3-5-2): Lomaia; Zurab Khizanishvili, Otar Khizaneishvili, Kaladze; Burduli, Didava (Aleksidze 77), Asatiani, Rekhviashvili, Amisulashvili; Demetradze (Daraselia 60), Arveladze.

Referee: EI Gonzalez (Spain).