Win gives hope for tests ahead

REPUBLIC of Ireland duo Damien Duff and Matt Holland were looking forward to the summer and the Euro 2004 qualifiers after last night’s friendly win over Norway. Duff netted the only goal of the game at Lansdowne Road to give Brian Kerr a win in his first game as Republic manager on home soil.

With games against Georgia and Albania coming up, June will prove decisive in Ireland's bid to qualify for next year's championships in Portugal.

Georgia's 1-0 defeat of Russia was good news for the Irish and both midfielders believe last night's friendly win in Dublin is an important morale-booster.